Real Estate and Construction

Real Estate & Construction – MAK & Partners Advocates

Real Estate & Construction

Our Real Estate & Construction Department delivers end-to-end legal solutions across the entire property lifecycle — from concept to completion, and ultimately to exit.

We go beyond traditional legal advisory. We position ourselves as strategic partners to developers, investors, financiers, and property owners — ensuring that every project is legally sound, commercially viable, and execution-ready.

With deep expertise in the Kenyan property landscape, we provide integrated legal, regulatory, and transactional support tailored to the evolving dynamics of the real estate and construction sectors.

Real Estate & Construction

Our Approach

We support clients at every stage of the real estate value chain.

Project Advisory & Concept Structuring
  • Early-stage legal advisory on feasibility and risk
  • Structuring development models (SPVs, trusts, partnerships)
  • Land acquisition strategy and project entry frameworks
Real Estate Project Structuring
  • Structuring construction and development projects
  • Drafting and negotiating EPC, contractor, and consultancy agreements
  • Advising on financing structures (debt, equity, hybrid models)
Due Diligence & Risk Assessment
  • Comprehensive legal due diligence on land and assets
  • Title verification and encumbrance analysis
  • Risk mapping for investors and lenders
Change of User & Regulatory Advisory
  • Advisory on zoning, land use, and planning laws in Kenya
  • Managing change of user applications
  • Navigating county and national regulatory frameworks
Approvals & Compliance
  • Securing development approvals and permits
  • Liaising with regulatory bodies and authorities
  • Environmental and planning compliance (including NEMA processes)
Construction Phase Advisory
  • Drafting and reviewing construction contracts
  • Managing contractor disputes and risk mitigation
  • Ensuring compliance during project execution
Property Transfers & Conveyancing
  • Structuring and executing property transfers
  • Sale and purchase agreements
  • Lease structuring (commercial, residential, mixed-use developments)
Joint Ventures & Development Partnerships
  • Structuring real estate joint ventures
  • Drafting JV agreements and shareholder arrangements
  • Advising on developer–landowner partnerships
Real Estate Tax Advisory
  • Structuring transactions for tax efficiency
  • Advisory on stamp duty, capital gains tax, VAT, and income tax
  • Tax risk mitigation in property transactions

Our Clients

We act for a diverse range of stakeholders in the real estate ecosystem, bringing the same commitment to excellence regardless of the scale or complexity of the project.

  • Property developers (residential, commercial, mixed-use)
  • Institutional and private investors
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Real estate funds and REITs
  • Landowners and family offices
  • Construction companies and contractors
  • Government and quasi-government entities

Why Choose Us

End-to-end capability, deep local expertise, and commercially driven advice.

End-to-End Capability

We provide seamless legal support across the entire real estate lifecycle, eliminating fragmentation and ensuring consistency.

Commercially Driven Advice

Our approach is not just legal — it is practical, strategic, and commercially focused, enabling clients to make informed investment decisions.

Deep Local Expertise

We have an in-depth understanding of Kenya's land laws, regulatory environment, and approval processes, allowing us to navigate complexity with precision.

Proven Track Record

We have successfully advised on high-value and complex real estate and construction projects, delivering results in dynamic and often challenging environments.

Leadership & Experience

Led by Ken Ashimosi — over 15 years of experience, recognized among the Top 100 Real Estate and Finance Lawyers in Kenya — bringing credibility, insight, and leadership to every mandate.

Client-Centric Service

We prioritize responsiveness, clarity, and partnership, ensuring our clients feel supported at every stage of their projects.

Our Value Proposition

At MAK & Partners Advocates, we combine technical legal expertise, industry insight, and strategic thinking to help our clients achieve their property goals.

  • Unlock value in property investments
  • Mitigate legal and regulatory risks
  • Structure bankable and scalable projects
  • Execute transactions with confidence