Hamilton Harrison & Mathews (HHM) and Oraro and Company Advocates, two of Kenya’s most prominent law firms, are planning a merger that could significantly impact the country’s legal services sector.
According to inquiries by the Sunday Nation, the deal has been sealed and is awaiting approval from relevant state regulators before an official announcement can be made.
A source familiar with the deal described it as a rare move in local practice, where splits or mergers of smaller firms are more common.
Background of the Firms ¶
HHM, formed in 1902, is one of the oldest law firms in Kenya and has been associated with the training and employment of some of the country’s best legal minds. Notable figures who have worked at HHM include Justice (rtd) Richard Kwach, Mr Paul Ndung’u, Justice Paul Kihara Kariuki, and Mr Peter Le Pelley.
Oraro and Company Advocates, founded 35 years ago by respected lawyer George Oraro, has also produced prominent lawyers, including former partner Ambrose Rachier, Cecil Miller, and Justice (rtd) Aaron Ringera.
Motivation Behind the Merger ¶
When asked about the deal, Mr Oraro confirmed that talks were ongoing but did not provide details. Richard Omwela, a long-serving HHM partner, acknowledged the intention to merge, stating that the new firm would be bigger and better, allowing more lawyers to specialize.
The merged firm, likely to be known as HHM Oraro, will have over 50 lawyers and is positioning itself for local and regional mega deals in oil, infrastructure, and commercial transactions.
Response to Foreign Competition ¶
The merger is seen as a strategic move to counter the influence of big European and South African law firms seeking to expand their operations in East Africa. A source noted that having a local law firm with the necessary muscle and expertise to match foreign firms is beneficial for Kenya’s legal fraternity.
Statistics from the Nairobi Law Monthly indicate that only 15% of Africa’s corporate and commercial deals are handled by local firms, with 85% going to international lawyers.
