Who is Adil Khawaja of KCB?

Adil Khawaja is the Managing Partner in Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews. He has over 23 years’ experience and in-depth knowledge in real estate, environmental and planning law. He is one of the most renowned lawyers in Kenya having dealt with complicated land issues, and regularly advises on eco-conveyancing for clients in the tourism sector and the Government of Kenya. He recently advised and submitted a report to the Government of Kenya as a member of the Taskforce to inquire into Forest Resource Management and Logging activities in Kenya The report has been instrumental in having key officials in various agencies investigated for corruption charges, the legal framework being discussed for amendment and assisting the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in its implementation plan to turn around the sector inquire into forest resources management and logging activities in Kenya. He has also served as a director on the National Environment Council, and as a Trustee to the Friends of Conservation and Care for the Wild Kenya as well as the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Adil has extensive experience in diverse areas of law such as corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and private equity, banking and finance and complex company restructurings. He regularly advises foreign companies that conduct business in Kenya, as well as Kenyan corporations that conduct business abroad. He is highly recognised in Kenyan’s business circles for his legal expertise and holds board positions in various companies. Currently, he is the chairman of KCB Bank Kenya Limited and seats on the board of Al Futtaim Automative -CMC Motors Group and Kenya Power Company Limited.

He is in the Corporate, Commercial & Real Estate Department and a member of the Real Estate, Planning & Environmental, Mergers & Acquisitions, Joint Ventures and Private Equity, Banking and Finance, Insolvency and Restructuring, Competition/Anti-Trust, Aviation, Energy, Infrastructure & PPPs practice groups. He is also experienced in commercial litigation and arbitration.

Experience

• The Multi-Sectoral Taskforce: Appointed by the Deputy President of Kenya to inquire into forest resources management and logging activities in Kenya.  
• A multinational international company that focuses on engineering and construction: Acted in the purchase of a residential property worth US $ 8.9 million.
• Advising on the construction of a mixed-use development that includes residential houses, leisure facilities, retail outlets and commercial offices spaces known as Montave. The development value is worth US $ 120 million
• An international construction company: Advised in the purchase of land in a mixed use development known as Tatu City through a consideration swap. 
• An investment company registered in the United Arab Emirates: Acted as legal counsel in its acquisition of a minority stake in an insurance company in Kenya.

Recognition

• The highly regarded Adil Khawaja is considered "a fantastic real estate lawyer" by peers. One added: "He understands the sector more than almost anyone else in the country." His experience spans all aspects of real estate development, including planning, conveyancy and environmental law. He has acted as lead adviser on a number of mixed-use developments, acquisitions and land swaps. Clients sing his praises, declaring: "He has the ability to give tailor-made solutions within a short period. He's practical, efficient and caters to our every legal need." Chambers Global 2018
• Hamilton Harrison & Mathews maintains a multi-faceted practice, with notable strength in large-scale conveyancing, residential and commercial property developments, and leasing work. The group advised ALP North on a series of acquisitions, including its purchase of 22 acres of land in the Tatu City mixed-use development. Lorna Mainnah and Adil Khawaja lead an impressive team. Legal 500 2018

Activities and Affiliations

• Chairman Kenya Commercial Bank Limited
• Director, Kenya Power.
• Director, Al Futtaim Automative -CMC Motors Group Limited
• Director, KCB Insurance Agency

Community Involvement and Pro Bono

• Appointed Board of Trustees Kenya Wildlife Service. Chairman of the Human Capital and Finance Committee, 2011 – 2014
• Honorary Warden Kenya Wildlife Service, 2004 – 2013
• Board of Trustees Friends of Conservation. A non-profit wildlife conservation organisation, 2006 – 2011
• Law Society of Kenya Committee seconded to the Judiciary, Committee responsible for the renovation of the new Commercial Courts at Milimani, 2007 – 2011
• Law Society of Kenya Elections Scrutineer, 2007 – 2010
• Member of the National Environment Council under the National Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, 2005 – 2009

Memberships

• Member, Law Society of Kenya, 1994
• Member, London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
• Member, Institute of Certified Public Secretaries

Prior and Present Employment

• Managing Partner, Dentons Hamilton, Harrison & Mathews (formerly Hamilton, Harrison & Mathews), 2013 to present
• Partner, Hamilton, Harrison & Mathews, 2001
• Associate, Hamilton, Harrison & Mathews, 1995
• Trainee, Hamilton, Harrison & Mathews, 1993