Africa & International
Kenya at the centre, the region within reach.
We advise international investors, corporates, funds and institutions entering Kenya and operating across East and Central Africa. Kenya is our jurisdiction of admission and practice; regional matters are coordinated from Nairobi with professional networks and correspondent counsel where local law advice is required.
Coverage
How coverage works
Kenya
Core jurisdictionThe firm's core jurisdiction — advice given directly by KNC advocates in Nairobi.
Uganda
Network / correspondentSupported with professional networks and correspondent counsel where local law advice is required.
Tanzania
Network / correspondentSupported with professional networks and correspondent counsel where local law advice is required.
Rwanda
Network / correspondentSupported with professional networks and correspondent counsel where local law advice is required.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Network / correspondentSupported with professional networks and correspondent counsel where local law advice is required.
Republic of Congo
Network / correspondentSupported with professional networks and correspondent counsel where local law advice is required.
The firm does not maintain offices or admissions outside Kenya. Where local law advice is required, we instruct and coordinate qualified local counsel and remain responsible for the commercial coordination of the matter.
Kenya
Doing business in Kenya
Structured around the sequence decisions are actually made in — from structure and establishment through licences, people, premises and launch.
- 01
Establishing an entity
Entity types, registration, directors and shareholders, and what to decide before filing.
- 02
Foreign ownership considerations
Where ownership is open, where thresholds apply, and where approval is required.
- 03
Licensing and sector regulation
Licences, sector regulators and the obligations that follow registration.
- 04
Commercial agreements
The agreements a new operation needs first, and the terms that carry the risk.
- 05
People and immigration
Engaging staff locally, work permits and statutory employment obligations.
- 06
Tax and banking coordination
Coordinating with tax advisers and establishing banking and payment arrangements.
- 07
Property and premises
Acquiring or leasing premises, title diligence and occupation terms.
- 08
Data, competition and sustainability
Privacy, merger control and ESG obligations that apply from day one.
Substantive guidance for each theme is written and reviewed by KNC lawyers before publication. Speak to the firm for a position on your specific situation.
Country guides
What each country guide will cover
Country guides are being prepared for each market below. Every guide is reviewed by lawyers before publication and clearly identifies where local counsel is instructed.
- Investment overview
- Market entry
- Corporate establishment
- Foreign ownership
- Licensing
- Employment
- Immigration
- Tax coordination
- Property
- Data protection
- Competition
- Sector regulation
- Banking
- KenyaGuide in preparation
- UgandaGuide in preparation
- TanzaniaGuide in preparation
- RwandaGuide in preparation
- Democratic Republic of CongoGuide in preparation
- Republic of CongoGuide in preparation
No country guide is published until KNC lawyers have reviewed and approved its content.
Expertise
Where this connects
Market Entry & Foreign Investment
Entering Kenya and the region in the right structure.
International Trade & Investment
Cross-border commerce, documented and enforceable.
Commodities & Trade
Title, payment and delivery risk under control.
Mining & Mineral Commodities
Licences, supply and responsible sourcing.
Projects & Infrastructure
Assets built, financed and delivered.
Dispute Resolution, Litigation & Arbitration
A strategy for the outcome, not just the hearing.