Kenya is no stranger to carbon trading. In fact, the Berkeley Carbon Trading Project Voluntary Registry Offsets database ranked Kenya as the second-largest issuer of voluntary carbon market credits in Africa in 2022, trailing the Democratic Republic of Congo.
James Kamau, SC is a leading corporate and projects and restructuring lawyer in Kenya with over thirty (30) years post admission experience. He handles local and international complex transactions and is the trusted legal advisor of leading local and multinational companies, project developers and sponsors, commercial lenders private equity firms and DFIs.
His areas of specialization include corporate law, mergers & acquisitions and private equity, private public partnerships, renewable energy projects, restructuring, and infrastructure projects.
Experience has included advising:
- Advised the Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited in its acquisition of a 90% stake in Jamii Bora Bank Limited
- Advised Acorn Holdings Limited, a leading real estate company, in the listing of a KES 5 billion green bond at the Nairobi Securities Exchange which was Kenya's first certified green bond which was also listed at the International Securities Market segment of the London Stock Exchange.
- Advised NIC Group PLC and NIC Bank Kenya Plc in respect of the merger with Commercial Bank of Africa Limited (CBA) to form NCBA Group Plc.
- Advising African Development Bank Group (AfDB) on the 105MW Sosian Menengai Geothermal Power Project in Kenya.
- Advising lender group in connection with the 50MW Chania Wind Power Project in Kenya.
- Advising KCB Bank Kenya, NCBA and the Co-operative Bank of Kenya, in respect of restructuring of MH Group - East Africa’s largest transport and logistics company.
- Advising KCB Bank Kenya and Absa Bank Kenya PLC in connection with the restructuring of a Company based in Athi River, Nairobi, whose main business is to manufacture, market and sell cement and other related products.
- Advised a consortium of lenders including Africa Finance Corporation, Stanbic Bank, Absa Bank Kenya PLC, GT Bank and UBA Bank Kenya Limited in respect of the restructure (debt restructuring, standstill agreements) and subsequent administration of ARM Cement PLC, a public company listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange which involved the sale of distressed assets in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda with a value exceeding USD160 million
- Acted for Compagnie Gervais Danone in its acquisition of 40% shareholding in Brookside Dairy Limited, one of the leading dairy companies in East Africa with subsidiaries in Uganda and Tanzania.
- Acted for Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (listed on the London Stock Exchange) in its acquisition of 70% of Fina Bank Limited (now Guaranty Trust Bank (Kenya) Limited), a Kenyan bank (with subsidiaries in Uganda and Rwanda).
- Advising the developer of two (2) 40MW Solar power projects in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, including on achieving financial close and ongoing management of the projects.
Professional Qualifications
- Advocate admitted to the High Court of Kenya (1991)
Education
- Kenya School of Law, Diploma in Law (1991)
- University of Nairobi, Bachelor of Laws LL.B. (1990)
Recognition
- Ranked as leading lawyer in Chambers & Partners Global
- Ranked as leading lawyer in Legal 500
- Ranked as leading lawyer in IFLR 1000
- Commended as Attorney of the year by Africa Legal Awards
Prior Experience
- 2018 to date, Chair, DLA Piper Africa and Managing Partner, DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates).
- 2000 to 2018, Managing Partner,DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates).
- 1993 to 2000, Partner, DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates).
- 1992 to 1993, Associate, DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates).
Memberships
- Law Society of Kenya
- East Africa Law Society
- East Africa ICT Impact Investing Task Force
Globally, climate change is recognized as one of the most serious threats to humanity. The Paris Agreement, which was a global response to climate change, recognizes the need for adequate funds to finance the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate-resilient development. Dubbed ‘transition finance’, the funding needed for the transition to a low-carbon sustainable future is fundamental to the fight against climate change.
Today, businesses are compelled to prioritize ESG in their commercial and investment strategies. Stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees, and regulators, expect responsible and sustainable operations and that organizations develop a clear blueprint for achieving ESG objectives. Boards recognize the benefits of integrating ESG into their decision-making as an organization’s social license may depend on it.
DLA Piper Africa has showcased its pan-African strength at the African Legal Awards 2024 by securing several prestigious awards, including the highly coveted African Network/Alliance of the Year award and three out of four regional awards.