Spencer West Kenya Celebrates Rapid Expansion and Welcomes New Talent to Nairobi Office
Spencer West Kenya is delighted to announce the significant growth of its Nairobi office, underscoring the firm’s commitment to providing top-tier legal services in East Africa. This expansion includes the addition of esteemed new partners, experienced associates, and dedicated managerial staff, enhancing the firm’s capacity to serve its clients effectively across various sectors.
New Partners:
Peter Mwaura joins as a versatile commercial lawyer with extensive experience in banking and finance transactions, FinTech and blockchain. Peter’s notable achievements include establishing a top-tier banking and finance practice in Nairobi recognised by IFLR 1000 from 2019 to 2022. His comprehensive expertise spans private credit, project financing, trade and export finance, international trade and distressed debt trading, among others.
Katherine Muldoon (Of Counsel) brings her profound expertise in High Net Worth, complex and international family matters. She has been an influential voice in discussions on divorce reform and surrogacy law, frequently contributing to Family Law Journal and appearing on TV and Radio. Katherine has a wide range of experience in private client and private wealth including advising on trusts and incorporation of offshore entities. She is an accredited civil and commercial mediator taking instructions in both civil and commercial matters. She additionally undertook a specialist Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration at Oxford with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (‘CIArb’), becoming an Arbitrator and Fellow of the Institute.
Caroline Karugu Mwarari is a seasoned real estate and construction lawyer with over 15 years of expertise in property development, finance and public policy advisory on the commercialisation of public land. Caroline’s leadership in significant real estate developments in Kenya and her extensive knowledge in land transactions for greenfield projects solidify her role as a key player in the firm’s growth strategy.
New Associates:
Belinda Ongong’a joins as a Senior Associate, bringing over eight years of experience across various practice areas corporate, commercial, mergers & acquisitions, FinTech, life sciences, and project finance. Belinda’s client-centric approach ensures tailored solutions for local and international clients in diverse industries, including financial services, manufacturing, and energy.
Frank Raudo, an Associate, is a corporate, commercial and technology lawyer specialising in general commercial undertakings, mergers & acquisitions, private equity, venture capital and regulatory & compliance mandates. With experience across East, West, and South African jurisdictions, Frank’s expertise in technology media & telecoms and emerging companies adds significant value to the firm’s offerings.
Managerial Staff:
The Nairobi office also welcomes Sumera Mitha as Office Manager and Riyaz Osman as Finance Manager. Their roles are crucial in ensuring the efficient operation and financial management of the office, supporting the firm’s continued expansion.
Founding Team and Early Hires:
Spencer West Kenya’s foundation is strengthened by its founding partners Haanee Khan and Joseph Githaiga, alongside early hire Teodosia Osir, whose combined vision and dedication have been pivotal in the firm’s rapid growth and success.
Haanee Khan said “”We are thrilled to witness the rapid growth of our Nairobi office, which reflects our commitment to excellence and our innovative model that empowers our lawyers and staff. The addition of our new partners and associates, alongside our dedicated managerial team, exemplifies our core values of integrity, collaboration, and client-centric service. The opportunities that lie ahead are immense, and we are enthusiastic about the future as we continue to expand our capabilities and deliver top-tier legal solutions to our clients across Africa.”
Antoine West, Managing Parter of Spencer West, added “The expansion of our Nairobi office represents a remarkable opportunity for Spencer West. It not only strengthens our presence in East Africa but also allows us to better serve our clients with local expertise and global insights. This growth opens new avenues for cross-border collaboration, innovation, and the delivery of comprehensive legal solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. We are excited about the future and the immense potential that this development brings to our firm.”
