Frequently Asked Questions

Real Estate, Perfection of Securities & Project Financing FAQs

We guide clients through every stage of the transaction, including due diligence, drafting and reviewing sale agreements, obtaining regulatory approvals, handling stamp duty, and ensuring proper transfer and registration of ownership.

We conduct comprehensive searches at the relevant land registries, verify ownership, check for encumbrances, confirm zoning and land use compliance, and ensure the property is free from legal disputes.

Perfection of securities involves legally registering and formalizing a lender’s interest in a borrower’s assets. It is crucial as it secures the lender’s rights and ensures priority in case of default or insolvency.

Yes, we structure, draft, and negotiate financing agreements for projects, working with lenders, investors, and stakeholders to ensure legally sound and commercially viable arrangements.

We identify potential legal risks early through due diligence, ensure proper documentation, advise on compliance requirements, and structure transactions to protect our clients’ interests at every stage.

Corporate & Commercial Law FAQs

We advise on corporate governance frameworks, board structuring, directors’ duties, shareholder relations, and policy development to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective management.

Yes, we guide clients through company incorporation, selection of the appropriate business structure, shareholder agreements, and organizational setup to align with both legal requirements and business goals.

We provide end-to-end support in mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence, structuring transactions, drafting agreements, regulatory approvals, and post-transaction integration.

Absolutely. We draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements to ensure they are clear, enforceable, and aligned with your interests while minimizing risk.

We help businesses stay compliant by advising on applicable laws, conducting compliance audits, developing internal policies, and providing ongoing legal support to adapt to regulatory changes.

Succession & Estate Planning FAQs

Estate planning ensures your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes, protects your loved ones, and helps minimize legal complications, delays, and potential disputes.

Yes, we assist in drafting legally sound wills and establishing trusts tailored to your specific needs, ensuring your intentions are clearly documented and enforceable.

We guide executors and beneficiaries through the entire estate administration process, including probate, asset distribution, and compliance with legal requirements, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.

Yes, we provide expert legal support in resolving inheritance disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, always aiming for fair and timely outcomes.

We carefully structure your estate plan, draft precise legal documents, and provide ongoing legal guidance to ensure your assets are distributed exactly as intended while minimizing the risk of disputes.

Litigation & Alternative Dispute Resolution FAQs

We handle a wide range of disputes including commercial, civil, contractual, employment, property, and regulatory matters, representing both individuals and corporate clients.

Litigation involves resolving disputes through the court system, while arbitration is a private dispute resolution process where an independent arbitrator makes a binding decision outside of court.

The duration varies depending on the complexity of the matter and the chosen resolution method. Some disputes can be resolved within months, while others may take longer, especially in court proceedings.

Yes, we represent and guide clients through mediation, ensuring their interests are protected while working toward amicable and cost-effective resolutions.

We assess each case based on its complexity, urgency, cost implications, and desired outcomes, then recommend the most effective approach, whether litigation, arbitration, or mediation.

Intellectual Property Law FAQs

You can protect your intellectual property by registering it under the relevant laws, such as trademarks, patents, or copyrights. We guide you through identification, registration, and ongoing protection strategies to safeguard your rights.

The process involves conducting a search to ensure originality, filing an application with the relevant authority, examination, publication, and finally registration. We handle the entire process to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Yes. We assist in enforcing your rights through legal action, including cease and desist notices, negotiations, and court proceedings where necessary to protect your interests.

The duration varies depending on the type of intellectual property. For example, trademarks can last indefinitely with renewal, while patents typically last for a fixed period. We advise you on timelines and renewal requirements to maintain protection.

We cover a wide range of intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets, ensuring comprehensive protection for your creations and innovations.

Climate Change & Sustainable Development Advisory FAQs

Environmental compliance involves adhering to laws and regulations governing environmental protection, including obtaining necessary licenses, conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and meeting standards set by regulatory bodies such as NEMA. We guide clients through these requirements to ensure full compliance and avoid legal risks.

Businesses can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting energy-efficient practices, transitioning to renewable energy, implementing sustainable supply chains, and complying with carbon reporting standards. We provide legal guidance on aligning these initiatives with applicable environmental laws and policies.

Yes, we assist clients in structuring and navigating green financing opportunities, including climate funds, green bonds, and sustainability-linked investments. Our role is to ensure these projects meet both legal and regulatory requirements while maximizing environmental and financial benefits.

Climate change initiatives in Kenya are governed by key frameworks such as the Climate Change Act, Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), and various regulations issued by NEMA and other authorities. We help clients interpret and comply with these laws effectively.

We support organizations by developing ESG frameworks, conducting compliance audits, drafting policies, and advising on reporting obligations. Our goal is to help businesses integrate environmental, social, and governance principles into their operations while meeting both local and international standards.

Immigration & International Law FAQs

We guide clients through every step of the application, from preparing the required forms and supporting documents to submitting to the relevant authorities and ensuring timely follow-up.

Yes. Our team provides comprehensive support for residency permits, permanent residence, and citizenship applications, ensuring compliance with Kenyan immigration laws.

Processing times vary depending on the type of permit or visa, but we provide realistic timelines and monitor progress to minimize delays.

Absolutely. We represent clients in appeals, reviews, and administrative hearings to challenge refusals and seek favorable outcomes.

Required documents differ by visa type, but typically include identification, employment or sponsorship letters, completed application forms, and other supporting evidence. We assist in preparing a complete, error-free submission.

Research & Knowledge Management FAQs

Legal research provides accurate insights into laws, precedents, and regulations, helping you make informed decisions, minimize risks, and strengthen your legal position.

Yes. We tailor our research to your sector, ensuring advice is relevant to your industry’s unique legal and regulatory landscape.

We rely on verified legal sources, updated statutes, and case law, combined with rigorous cross-checking to ensure reliable and precise results.

Absolutely. We help businesses maintain continuous legal awareness through briefings, reports, and updates on evolving laws and regulations.

We use advanced legal databases, knowledge management systems, and proven research methodologies to deliver thorough and actionable insights.

Sports Law FAQs

Yes, we help athletes, clubs, and federations draft, review, and negotiate contracts to ensure rights are protected and obligations are clear.

We provide legal representation and advisory services for disputes, using both litigation and alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration or mediation.

We review, negotiate, and draft sponsorship and endorsement agreements to ensure fair terms, compliance, and risk mitigation for all parties.

Absolutely. We guide clients through disciplinary processes and doping-related matters, protecting their rights and ensuring due process.

Yes, we assist clubs, federations, and associations with governance structures, regulatory compliance, and policy development to maintain integrity and professional standards.

Data Protection Law FAQs

Compliance involves collecting, storing, and processing personal data lawfully, obtaining consent, maintaining records, protecting data from unauthorized access, and appointing a Data Protection Officer if required.

Businesses must implement robust technical and organizational measures, such as encryption, access controls, regular audits, staff training, and secure data storage to protect personal information.

Yes, we guide organizations in promptly identifying, containing, and reporting breaches, while also advising on mitigation strategies and regulatory notifications.

Non-compliance can result in administrative fines, legal action, reputational damage, or operational restrictions under the Data Protection Act.

Absolutely. We develop comprehensive policies, procedures, and guidelines tailored to your business to ensure full compliance and effective data governance.

Technology & the Law FAQs

We guide startups through company formation, intellectual property protection, contract drafting, and regulatory compliance to ensure a solid legal foundation for growth.

Yes, we provide legal guidance on digital payments, online banking, blockchain, cryptocurrency regulations, and other fintech innovations.

Absolutely. We assist businesses with terms of service, privacy policies, consumer protection laws, and online transaction regulations.

We advise on data protection strategies, breach response plans, compliance with Kenya’s Data Protection Act, and risk mitigation for digital systems.

We help clients navigate AI ethics, intellectual property rights, liability issues, regulatory compliance, and the evolving legal framework for innovative technologies.

Qualified Advocates

We are qualified, licensed experts who provide legal advice and represent clients in various thematic areas.

Over 20 Years of Experience

Experienced Advocates delivering trusted advice and effective representation.

Our Awards and Certificates

Recognized for excellence with the Blue Company Corruption Free Badge and named Best Full-Service Law Firm at the African Excellence Awards 2025.

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Hansen Omido, CPM
Managing Partner

 

Hansen Omido, CPM serves as the Managing Partner of the firm and is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with extensive experience in corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, real estate and project financing, banking and financial services, succession and estate planning, mediation, public policy development, and legal research. He is recognised for combining strong legal acumen with strategic commercial insight, delivering practical, high-impact legal solutions while driving excellence across the firm.

Hansen has built a diverse and impactful legal career working with leading law firms including MAK & Partners Advocates LLP, Mosioma & Co. Advocates, and Ashitiva Advocates LLP. Through these roles, he has developed deep expertise in corporate advisory, real estate transactions, dispute resolution, and financial sector legal services, earning a reputation as a trusted advisor to businesses, investors, financial institutions, and families.

He has successfully led the restructuring of companies with a combined asset base exceeding Kshs. 800 million, developed and advised on family trust structures holding assets worth over USD 20 million, and overseen complex real estate and development projects valued at more than Kshs. 3 billion. Notably, he structured and provided legal oversight for a Kshs. 400 million residential development project for Kenya Airways staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, transaction efficiency, risk mitigation, and successful project execution.

He has also developed strong expertise in banking and financial services law, having perfected securities and structured transactions for leading financial institutions including KCB Bank, Kingdom Bank, Victoria Commercial Bank, UNFCU, and UNSACCO. He regularly advises and represents financial institutions in commercial transactions, recovery proceedings, and complex disputes, reinforcing his standing as a reliable legal and commercial strategist.

Hansen is also deeply committed to access to justice and public interest advocacy. He has provided pro bono legal representation in matters involving gender-based violence, discrimination against persons living with HIV, and other vulnerable groups, demonstrating a strong commitment to social justice, human rights, and community empowerment.

Beyond legal practice, Hansen holds key leadership roles in sports governance. He serves as Chairman of Stingers Rugby Club and Secretary to the Kenya Rugby Union Constitution Review Committee, where he contributes to institutional reform, governance strengthening, and policy development within Kenyan rugby.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree, a Postgraduate Diploma in Law, a Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy, and is a Certified Professional Mediator (CPM).

Here’s a fun twist: when he’s not structuring multimillion-dollar transactions, shaping succession plans, or arguing complex legal matters, Hansen might just surprise you with his hidden talent. He is a skilled rapper with a knack for dropping bars as smooth as his courtroom arguments. With an unrivaled blend of professionalism, creativity, and a touch of rhythm, Hansen is redefining what it means to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact

Professional Affiliations

  • East Africa Law Society
  • Law Society of Kenya

Email

hansen@hansenadvocates.com

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Valerie Cherono, CPM
Partner | Head of Strategy

Valerie Cherono is a Partner and the Head of Strategy at Hansen Advocates, and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a diverse and dynamic legal background spanning commercial law, conveyancing, intellectual property, entertainment law, and creative economy advisory. She is widely recognised for her innovative, solutions-driven approach to legal practice and her ability to translate complex legal challenges into clear, actionable strategies.

Before joining Hansen Advocates, Valerie built her legal foundation at Robson Harris Advocates LLP, where she gained extensive experience in legal advisory, transactional work, and strategic client engagement. Her time there played a key role in shaping her practical, commercially aware approach to legal practice and strengthened her ability to deliver high-quality legal solutions in fast-paced environments.

At the firm, Valerie leads the firm's strategic direction, ensuring that clients benefit from well-structured, forward-thinking legal strategies aligned with their commercial and operational objectives. She is known for developing step-by-step legal and business strategies that transform legal challenges into opportunities for growth, compliance, and long-term sustainability.

Her practice experience includes managing high-value property transactions worth millions of shillings, structuring and perfecting securities for leading financial institutions with portfolios exceeding Ksh 5 billion, and advising on the formation and structuring of sustainable business entities. She also has strong expertise in intellectual property law, supporting creatives, innovators, and businesses in protecting, commercialising, and leveraging their intellectual property assets.

Valerie has a particular passion for the creative economy, content creation industry, and entertainment sector, where she advises clients on brand protection, content monetisation, contracts, licensing, and digital platform legal frameworks. Her work in this space reflects her commitment to supporting innovation and the growth of Kenya's creative and digital industries.

When she's not busy being a legal superhero, Valerie's life is just as colorful. A founding force behind Kenya's first online radio station dedicated solely to Kenyan music, Radio 254, she even took a spin as a radio presenter. Outside the office, she loves podcasting, traveling, and devouring books, and her legendary skills in the kitchen? Let's just say Michelin stars better watch out.

With her dynamic mix of professionalism, creativity, and a dash of fun, Valerie Cherono isn't just shaping the legal landscape; she's making it her playground. If you're looking for legal excellence with a touch of flair, Valerie's the one to ring.

Professional Affiliations

  • East Africa Law Society
  • Law Society of Kenya

Email

valerie@hansenadvocates.com

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Francis Kariuki Kinuthia
Director of Operations

Francis Kariuki Kinuthia serves as the Director of Operations, where he leads the firm's operational strategy, business processes, and administrative functions to ensure seamless service delivery and sustainable growth. As the driving force behind the firm's operational excellence, he is responsible for optimizing workflows, enhancing efficiency, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring that the firm's strategic objectives are effectively translated into measurable outcomes.

With extensive experience in operations management, project execution, and organizational leadership, Francis brings a unique blend of strategic oversight and hands-on execution to the firm. He oversees internal operations, resource management, performance systems, client support functions, and process improvement initiatives, ensuring that the firm consistently delivers exceptional service while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.

Before joining the firm, Francis served in senior operational leadership roles, including as Director of Operations at Orca Agriculture Company in Israel, where he managed large-scale operations, coordinated multidisciplinary teams, and oversaw the implementation of systems designed to improve productivity, resource utilization, and organizational performance. His international experience provided him with valuable exposure to global best practices in operations management, strategic planning, and business process optimization. He further enhanced his expertise through advanced training at the Arava International Centre in Israel, gaining insights into innovative management systems, operational efficiency models, and large-scale project coordination.

Known for his structured, solutions-oriented, and results-driven approach, Francis works closely with the firm's leadership team to strengthen organizational capacity, improve operational performance, and support the firm's continued growth. His leadership philosophy is grounded in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, ensuring that Hansen Advocates LLP remains agile, efficient, and positioned to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Away from the office, Francis is a former rugby player and an aspiring professional golfer. The transition from the teamwork and intensity of rugby to the precision and strategy of golf reflects the qualities he brings to leadership, discipline, resilience, focus, and a commitment to continuous growth. Whether driving operational excellence or pursuing personal goals, he approaches every challenge with determination, professionalism, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Email: francis@hansenadvocates.com

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