Kenya’s urban landscape is rapidly transforming due to the population growth and subsequent increased demand for housing. Although high-rise developments alleviate the housing demand to some extent, they pose serious risks to the residents in the area. These risks include, environmental degradation, damaged infrastructure such as roads, sewers, water supply, stormwater drains and power supply, loss of privacy, loss of green spaces, noise, and air pollution. For those at risk, the law provides avenues to challenge developments in their neighbourhoods.
Amrit Soar is a Consultant in the Real Estate and Finance practice group at IKM Advocates. During her career spanning over 40 years, she has handled numerous high value real estate projects, including the acquisition of embassies and consulates by key diplomatic missions. She has been recognized by Chambers Global as “an outstanding conveyancer” and Chambers Global, 2025 gave her the recognition as “Senior Statesperson”.
Amrit has also handled complex corporate finance and security documentation for both local and international banks. Her expertise includes probate and estate planning.
Being a consultant allows her flexibility and ability to work on a diverse range of projects. Given her experience, she remains a respected and trusted legal advisor in her core areas of practice. She also assists with the training, knowledge management and risk management initiatives for the firm.
Amrit continues to leverage her extensive experience to train, mentor and guide upcoming lawyers and is a thought leader, having published several articles on topical issues in the Kenyan Business Daily
Experience has included advising:
- a developer in the acquisition and sale of 28 warehouses in a business park
- a developer in the acquisition, construction and leasing of a major mall
- a women’s hospital in the purchase of a hospital / medical complex
- developers in end-to-end purchase and sale of plots and houses in several gated communities
- several banks, both local and international, in the preparation of security documentation for advances particularly to businesses in the flower, horticultural, hospitality, health and manufacturing industries
- several banks on realization and restructuring of securities
- 0n due diligences for purposes of acquisition of land for renewable energy and related projects
- on land issues relating to special economic zones (SEZ)
Professional Qualifications
- Advocate admitted to the High Court of Kenya (1983)
Education
- Kenya School of Law, Diploma in Law (1982)
- University of Nairobi, Bachelor of Laws LL.B. (1979)
Recognition
- Ranked as leading lawyer in Chambers & Partners Global
- Ranked as leading lawyer in IFLR1000
Prior Experience
- 2023 to date, Consultant, DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates)
- 2013 to 2022, Partner, DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates)
- 2011 to 2012, Consultant, DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates)
Memberships
- Law Society of Kenya
- Law Society of Kenya (currently serving as member, LSK Continuing Professional Education Committee)
- Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya
- Former member of the working group, Internationally Trained Lawyers Programme (ITLP), Faculty of Law, University of Toronto, Canada
A landmark overhaul of how bank loans are priced is set to take effect from 1 September 2025, with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) replacing the well-known Central Bank Rate (CBR) with a new market-based benchmark. This change, detailed in a revised Risk-Based Credit Pricing Model (RBCPM), will fundamentally alter the landscape for banks and borrowers alike, introducing a more dynamic but potentially volatile interest rate environment.
The Sectional Properties Act, 2020 (SPA) marked a significant shift from its predecessor, the Sectional Properties Act, 1987 in regulating management of sectional properties. One distinction between the two statutes lies in the governance structure, with the SPA mandating the formation of a corporation.
The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new era in Kenya which forced different industries across the country to adapt and acclimate to the new normal. The legal sector rose to the challenge by embracing digital transformation to streamline and ease business processes.