Coulson Harney is a corporate law firm in Kenya and a member of Bowmans. Bowmans’ Kenya practice is well known for its focus on financial and corporate and project development work.
Highlights
Bowmans Kenya advised KCB Bank Kenya (KCB) in relation to a financing to E3 Energy. This involved a security structure with all current and future fuel products as well as all receivables coming from the fuel product held at the time of the financing to form the secured assets for purposes of this lending. The team, led by Cornelius Kigera, also advised the bank to obtain a cross-guarantee from E3 Energy Kenya Limited and E3 Energy’s Dubai-based partner company. The transaction is currently ongoing.
The firm also advised Amethis Private Equity Fund, Merec Financial Corporation and Arrandale Holdings Ltd as the Sellers in relation to the sale of the entire issued share capital of Stratton Africa Holding Limited, the Mauritius holding company of the Merec industries, to Dubai based Invictus Investment Company Plc. The team acted as lead counsel was led by managing partner Paras Shah on the M&A side and partner Christina Nduba on the corporate commercial side. The transaction closed in January 2025.
Key Clients
KCB Bank Kenya; Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited; NCBA Group PLC; Greenlight Planet Kenya Limited; SBM Bank (Kenya) Limited; East Africa Breweries Plc; Sanlam Investments East Africa Limited; Bamboo Global Inc; Britam Asset Managers (Kenya) Limited; Trademax Global Pty Ltd; Africa50, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited; Africa Oil Kenya B.V.; Frontier Energy II Alpha K/S, Frontier Energy II Beta K/S; STOA S.A.; Haskoning Nederland B.V.; Holcim Group; Lipton Teas and Infusions B.V.; E3 Capital Management; Amethis
Testimonials 2024-2025
“Extremely reliable.” (Banking & Finance)
“High quality work and a strong bench.” (Banking & Finance)
“I love how dedicated the team is and business savvy they are. They also have an extensive network in Kenya which means we are able to get a very well rounded service.” (Financial Services Regulatory)
“A knowledgeable and well-experienced team.” (M&A)
“We appreciate the firm’s attention to detail, the options provided when tackling different situations and problems and co-creating solutions together with us.” (M&A)
“They weren’t just lawyers processing documents; they acted as true strategic partners. They anticipated where counterparties might push and helped you think two steps ahead. Their advice consistently balanced legal precision with commercial pragmatism, which is critical in healthcare M&A.” (M&A)
“The firm's command of Kenyan corporate, regulatory, and competition law ensured no surprises late in the process. Negotiations were handled with tact and authority, which kept the process constructive and prevented escalation.” (M&A)
“Bowman's full suite offering across all aspects of the transaction (corporate, tax, competition, regulatory) really stood out.” (Private Equity)
“Their local network, which was instrumental for CP fulfilment and completion of the transaction was a huge plus.” (Private Equity)
“We appreciate their attention to detail and ability to resonate with the commercial thinking of my firm.” (Project Development)
“We particularly valued Bowmans’s deep sector expertise, responsiveness, and ability to balance technical legal drafting with practical commercial considerations. Their collaborative approach, clear communication, and strong regional knowledge set them apart from other firms.” (Project Development)
“Aleem Tharani excels in combining deep technical knowledge of energy sector transactions with a highly pragmatic and solution-oriented approach. He is particularly skilled at identifying key risks early, providing clear and actionable advice, and ensuring that complex contractual provisions are presented in a way that is both understandable and commercially sound.” (Project Development)
“Aleem Tharani’s responsiveness, calm manner, and ability to manage stakeholder interests effectively make him a standout advisor.” (Project Development)
“Edwin Baru is very efficient and reliable as a lawyer in delivery of quality work and on time.” (Project Development)
“Joyce Mbui has strong M&A expertise, demonstrates agility in suggesting practical alternatives and workarounds when needed, and is consistently available for calls, even at short notice.” (M&A)
“Mutugi Mutegi is a brilliant communicator and has an in depth knowledge of the finance laws in Kenya. Not only that but his advice is business focused and he is great at finding solutions to even the most complex problems.” (Financial Services Regulatory)
“We appreciate Mutugi Mutegi’s communication, knowledge, support, and research.” (M&A)
“Paras Shah is always available, even across time zones and under tight timelines. He worked seamlessly with international counsel and advisors, coordinating across multiple jurisdictions. He communicated clearly and concisely, making complex issues easy to digest for non-lawyers on our team.” (M&A)
“Vruti Shah is innovative and solution-oriented. I also appreciated her approach to client management which was direct and responsive.” (Private Equity)
Testimonials 2023/2024
“They are very responsive and knowledgeable in their field. I like their professionalism and attention to detail in the transactions they do for the bank.” – Banking and finance
“The team at Bowmans demonstrated extensive knowledge and expertise, effectively leveraging their resources to provide high-quality service. They were attentive to our needs, ensuring a client-centric approach throughout the engagement.” – M&A
“Their diligence and high level of proficiency in handling matters. They also went out of their way and gave sound advice on the matter.” – Banking
“Bowmans CH are client focused; they understand our business and their technical ability is outstanding.” – Banking and finance
“Client management and technical competence.” - Cecil Kuyo
“Christina effectively demonstrated her extensive legal and industry knowledge, and skills. She was attentive and client-focused, showing her insight into the client's business with a sharp wit. Her management of the transaction were invaluable in navigating the constantly evolving transaction environment. Moreover, she ensured that we had access to her carefully selected team, who were knowledgeable about the matter, readily available, and dedicated to meeting our business needs. Finally, she was transparent about her limitations; providing suitable solutions by roping in expert counsel in the Bowmans' team.” - Chirstina Nduba-Banja
“John is very responsive and solution oriented” – John Khia