KO Associates is a Kenyan law firm based in Nairobi. The firm is led by its founders, Stephen Kiptinness and Crispine Odhiambo, and is a member of Citadel Law Africa.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on asset acquisition and project related work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Poa Internet, BSD East Africa, Blue Mountain Livestock Company, Kalahari Capital, Adrian Kenya, Oserian Two Lakes Industrial Park, Uganda Electricity Generation Company, Kenya Telecommunication Network Operators, Kenya Electricity Generating Company and Maritime & Transport Business Solutions.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period, the firm was active in banking & finance, M&A and project development.
In banking and finance the firm worked on financings for borrowers.
In M&A the firm focused on domestic and cross border acquisitions working for clients linked to the financial services and technology & telecommunications sectors.
In project development the firm worked on projects for developers in the energy and technology & telecommunications sectors.
During the period M&A partner Ken Rutere joined the firm from Igeria & Ngugi Advocates.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition
(2023/2024)
Kalahari acquisition of Atlas shares
Nairobi Smart Street Lighting Project
Client Feedback: 33rd edition
(2023/2024)
Banking and finance
“KO Associates is highly professional in their work. Not only do they communicate professionally, but they also handle the assignment entrusted to them with utmost professionalism. The firm has a highly industrious team that ensures that tasks assigned to the firm are handled on time and efficiently. The firm handles tasks diligently – going out of their way to ensure the job gets done well and promptly responding to concerns and queries.”
Investment funds
“Integrity and professionalism in their operations.”
Leveraged finance
“They provide a personal service, timely responses and are cost-effective.”
M&A
“KO Associates is highly knowledgeable in the legal field, and their team members are experts in their respective areas of practice. They are efficient in their work, ensuring that deadlines are met and communication is clear. Additionally, their team is highly responsive to our needs, providing us with timely and insightful guidance whenever we require it. Overall, their positive attributes include their expertise, efficiency and responsiveness.”
Project development
“KO's team have a deep understanding of the Kenyan Energy Act and how it is enforced in Kenya. This combined with their deep relationships with the government agency stakeholders facilitates for a much easier dialogue to process our requirements with the various agencies.”
Project finance
“Thorough analysis on key legal issues. Going the extra mile on providing advice on related issues.”
“KOA was able to undertake this role very efficiently, which resulted in buy-in by all relevant stakeholder during the project close out. KOA's professionalism was key in ensuring that they delivered the assignment as per agreed timelines and their agreed deliverables. They were accommodative and flexible to expand the scope of the assignment at no cost to ensure quality delivery of the assignment to the satisfaction of our partner. They are responsive and take feedback positively.”
Abigail Namasaka
“She is keen on detail, professional and confident in her work. This was critical during collection of views from various stakeholders in the county and documentation of evidence.”
Crispine Odhiambo
“Crispine Odhiambo is a highly skilled lawyer with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in corporate law. He is incredibly responsive and always goes above and beyond to ensure that our needs are met. His attention to detail and ability to identify and mitigate potential risks have been invaluable to us. One of Crispine Odhiambo's greatest strengths is his ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a way that is easily understandable. He is a great listener and always takes the time to understand our concerns and needs. His dedication to providing exceptional service has made him an invaluable member of our team. We have worked with Crispine Odhiambo for over eight years now, and throughout that time he has consistently provided us with top-notch legal services. His work is always thorough, timely and efficient. We have complete trust in his abilities and expertise.”
"Extremely knowledgeable about Kenyan energy law and always keen to support client meetings with stakeholders to ensure full transparency on any engagement.”
"Crispine is professional and highly committed. He steers the team with the utmost dedication and ensures that our tasks are handled by committed professionals. He also directly participates in the tasks, offering invaluable guidance and technical input.”
"Thorough and concise in his analysis and advice to clients.”
"He is professional, thorough, creative, articulate, a risk manager and a team player.”
Brian Odongo
“Responsive and practical.”
Ken Rutere
“Ken is a very sharp commercial lawyer. He is always full of constructive suggestions and fights for the client's position.”
Agnes Sajina
“A good listener and very professional in her work.”
