CMS Kenya | Daly Inamdar Advocates has strengthened its standing in the Chambers & Partners Global 2026 Guide, achieving first-time recognition in Employment, Dispute Resolution and Real Estate, while maintaining its established rankings in Banking & Finance and Corporate M&A.
The expanded footprint reflects a deliberate evolution of the firm’s capabilities across both advisory and contentious work, reinforcing its position as a full-service practice operating at the forefront of Kenya’s legal market.
The Significance of Chambers Recognition
Chambers & Partners remains one of the most respected legal directories as it ranks the top global lawyers, law firms and in-house counsel in over 200 jurisdictions across the world. Its methodology combines independent research, market analysis and detailed client interviews conducted over several months. Rankings are not based on submissions alone but on demonstrable market impact, peer feedback and client experience.
In that context, recognition across five core practice areas signals sustained performance and growing market confidence. It confirms not only technical competence but also responsiveness, commercial awareness and the ability to deliver in complex, high-value matters.
For CMS Kenya, the 2026 results represent both continuity and expansion, continuity in its transactional strength and expansion into areas that reflect the increasing sophistication of client demand in Kenya and the wider East African region. Commenting on the achievement, Managing Partner Samir Inamdar said:
“This recognition is not simply about rankings; it is a clear endorsement of the breadth, depth and standing of our practice. Being recognised across transactional, advisory and contentious disciplines confirms that we are a genuinely full-service firm, equipped to guide clients through the most complex phases of growth, transformation and risk. It reflects the confidence our clients place in us and underscores our determination to play a leading role in shaping Kenya’s evolving legal and commercial environment.”
Practice Highlights and Market Positioning
Banking & Finance
Led by Julius Wako, the Banking & Finance practice retains its ranking, affirming its role in advising lenders, borrowers and financial institutions on structured financing, regulatory compliance and transactional execution.
The Chambers assessment recognises the team’s experience in navigating Kenya’s evolving financial regulatory framework and structuring transactions in a dynamic credit environment. From a market positioning perspective, this reinforces CMS Kenya’s credibility in acting on complex financings that require both legal precision and commercial fluency.
Corporate M&A
The firm’s Corporate M&A practice, co-led by Julius Wako and Shitul Shah, maintains its recognition for work on cross-border transactions, corporate restructurings and strategic investments.
The listing reflects sustained engagement in multi-jurisdictional mandates and sophisticated deal execution. For clients, this underscores the firm’s ability to manage intricate transaction processes while aligning legal structuring with strategic business objectives. It also reinforces the firm’s relevance in a market increasingly shaped by foreign investment and regional expansion.
Dispute Resolution – First-Time Recognition
Headed by Samir Inamdar, the Dispute Resolution team enters the Chambers rankings for the first time in 2026. This milestone acknowledges the team’s track record in high-value commercial litigation and complex dispute management.
The recognition signals growing market validation of the firm’s courtroom advocacy, procedural strategy and ability to handle sensitive, multi-party disputes. For clients, this strengthens confidence that contentious matters can be managed with the same level of sophistication as transactional mandates.
Employment – First-Time Recognition
Under the leadership of George Muchiri, the Employment practice achieves Chambers recognition for the first time. The ranking reflects the team’s advisory role in workforce restructuring, compliance with employment regulations and handling employment-related disputes.
In an environment where governance, regulatory compliance and human capital strategy are increasingly intertwined, this recognition confirms CMS Kenya’s capacity to support boards and management teams in navigating complex workforce issues. Commenting on the ranking, George noted:
“Our inclusion in Chambers Global 2026 reflects the increasing complexity of workforce and governance issues facing organisations today. Clients require employment advisers who understand not only the law, but also business continuity, regulatory exposure and reputational risk. This recognition underscores the confidence clients place in us to guide them through sensitive and high-stakes employment matters with clarity and strategic insight.”
Real Estate – First-Time Recognition
Led by Harpreet Ubhi, the Real Estate practice also enters the Chambers rankings for the first time. The team’s experience spans property transactions, development advisory and construction-related matters.
The recognition reflects the growing importance of real estate within Kenya’s broader economic development, particularly in infrastructure, commercial property and residential projects. For clients, this signals a trusted legal partner capable of supporting property-related transactions from acquisition through development and beyond.
Broader Implications for Clients and the Market
The 2026 Chambers results demonstrate a notable broadening of CMS Kenya’s recognised strengths. Historically known for transactional excellence in Banking & Finance and Corporate M&A, the firm now achieves directory validation across advisory and contentious disciplines alike.
This shift carries strategic implications:
- Lifecycle Capability – Clients increasingly seek advisers who can support them across the entire lifecycle of business operations: structuring transactions, financing growth, managing workforce risk, acquiring property and resolving disputes. The expanded rankings reflect this integrated capability.
- Balanced Advisory and Contentious Strength – Recognition in both transactional and dispute practices signals a balanced platform. It reassures clients that strategic decisions can be defended and enforced where necessary.
- Market Maturity – Kenya’s legal market is becoming more sophisticated, with heightened regulatory oversight, cross-border investment flows and complex commercial disputes. The firm’s broader recognition aligns with this market evolution.
Market Perspective on the Rankings
A closer review of the Chambers entries across the five practice areas offers insight into both strengths and opportunities for further positioning.
Banking & Finance is commended for transactional execution and regulatory navigation. The emphasis appears to be on structured finance and advisory support to financial institutions. Less explicitly highlighted are sector-specific dimensions such as project finance, infrastructure lending or sustainability-linked financing. Strategically, the firm may wish to articulate these sub-sector capabilities more clearly in future market communications. Client testimonials include;
- “Julius is a very responsive and knowledgeable lawyer who supports us all the way.” Banking & Finance respondent, Global
- “We choose them because of their expertise and thoroughness. The quality of their work is good, and the partners are reachable.” Banking & Finance respondent, Global
- “CMS Daly Inamdar prioritises excellent communication, personalised attention and understanding client needs. They have an experienced and knowledgeable team.” Banking & Finance respondent, Global
In Corporate M&A, the recognition underscores cross-border transactional capability and restructuring experience. The listing reinforces credibility in handling sophisticated mandates. However, there is limited emphasis on private equity activity or sector concentration. Enhancing visibility around sector leadership, for example, in energy, infrastructure or financial services, could strengthen differentiation. Client testimonials include;
- “I appreciate the firm's attention to detail, the wide scope of its experience in the market and its knowledgeable lawyers.” Corporate M&A respondent, Global
- “CMS Daly Inamdar Advocates has the ability to resolve complex commercial matters while still finding a way to close transactions.” Corporate M&A respondent, Global
- “The speed at which they work is incredible.” Corporate M&A respondent, Global
The Dispute Resolution listing reflects strength in commercial litigation and strategic case management. While courtroom capability is evident, arbitration or specialist sub-practices are not heavily foregrounded. Expanding messaging around alternative dispute resolution and international arbitration may further elevate perception. Client testimonials include;
- “Samir Inamdar's impressive dedication and tenacity in tackling any matter are truly noteworthy. I consistently find his advice to be exceptionally sound, detailed and thorough.” Dispute Resolution respondent, Global
- “Gibran is a thorough and committed advocate who understands our needs.” Dispute Resolution respondent, Global
- “The strengths that truly distinguish this department are its tenacity and skill in negotiation, its problem-solving abilities and its proactive and clear communication at every stage.” Dispute Resolution respondent, Global
For Employment, the commendation centres on advisory and contentious matters, particularly compliance and restructuring. There is an opportunity to position the practice more explicitly within governance, ESG and board-level advisory themes, reflecting the growing overlap between employment risk and corporate responsibility. Client testimonials include;
- “George Muchiri is noted for his contentious employment practice, which involves representing clients in a range of disputes, such as unfair termination claims, disciplinary actions and redundancy procedures. Chambers Global 2026 Review.” Chambers Global 2026 Review
- “George Muchiri is a professional who gives clear and comprehensive legal advice on employment and labour law matters.” Employment respondent, Global
- “George Muchiri has been a great partner to us. From getting to know us and providing tailored solutions, his help has been tremendous.” Employment respondent, Global
In Real Estate, the listing acknowledges transactional and development-related expertise. Construction disputes and integration with financing mandates are less prominent. Strengthening the narrative around the firm’s role in supporting large-scale development projects could reinforce synergy between real estate, finance and disputes practices. Client testimonials include;
- CMS Daly Inamdar is highly knowledgeable, creative and responsive. Its lead lawyers are well supported and advised. Real Estate respondent, Global
- The firm combines regulatory knowledge with strategic and commercial advice. With strong negotiation skills and a client-first approach, it is a trusted partner in high-value developments. Real Estate respondent, Global
- The CMS team has shown exceptional perseverance, overcoming obstacles that often required pioneering solutions in a landscape where many of these challenges were being addressed for the first time. Real Estate respondent, Global
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Chambers recognition marks a moment of consolidation and expansion for CMS Kenya. The firm’s trajectory reflects sustained investment in talent, sector knowledge and cross-practice collaboration.
As Kenya’s economy continues to diversify, driven by infrastructure development, financial innovation, private capital inflows and regulatory reform, clients require advisers who combine technical excellence with strategic insight. CMS Kenya’s broadened Chambers footprint positions it to respond to that demand.
The firm remains committed to deepening its expertise, enhancing sector-driven advisory capabilities and maintaining the high standards of service that underpin independent recognition. Through continued focus on quality, responsiveness and commercial clarity, CMS Kenya aims to build on its 2026 achievements and further strengthen its standing within Kenya and the wider East African legal market.
To view CMS Kenya's Chambers Global profile, follow this link.
