Rachel Mbai is a Partner and Head of the Real Estate and Private Client departments at Kaplan & Stratton. A Kenyan Advocate, Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public, she joined the firm in 1991 and has over 30 years of experience in property acquisition, disposal, development, property finance, loan securities, due diligence, trusts and estates. She advises international and local companies, private clients, property developers and conservation organisations. Rachel is widely recognised by leading global ranking agencies as a talented real estate specialist known for her ability to resolve complex issues and deliver practical commercial solutions. Under her leadership, the Real Estate department has achieved consistent top-tier rankings by Chambers Global and Legal 500.
Areas of Expertise
- Real Estate and Property Management
- Forensics and Due Diligence
- Environmental and Conservation Law
- Private Client and Family Business
- Business Establishment
Professional Experience
- Head of Real Estate, Kaplan & Stratton
- Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
- Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public
- Certified Public Secretary
- Over 30 years’ experience in property acquisition, disposal, development and finance
- Extensive advisory work on trusts, estates and private client matters
- Represents a wide client base including corporate entities, developers, conservation trusts and private clients
Education & Qualifications
- Bar Qualifying Examinations, Kenya School of Law
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), University of Nairobi (Honours)
Notable Matters
- Advised Bawan Limited on the acquisition of a 50-hectare beach resort in Kilifi
- Counsel to Nodor Kenya EPZ Limited on a 50-year lease of EPZA Athi River property
- Advised E3 School Support Inc. on acquisition of agricultural land in Dagoretti for school development
- Advised on sale of multiple plots in Mavoko for redevelopment
- Advisory on boutique hotel development in Karen
- Acted for a South African corporate on asset disposal valued at USD 22.5 million
- Assisted with KES 600 million hospital development including JV and tax structuring
- Acted for American Tower International in acquisition of 715 tower sites from Telkom Kenya
- Advised Vipingo Properties on KES 300 million sale and leaseback of 100 acres
- Structured property acquisitions for E3 School Support Inc. in Nanyuki and Nairobi
- Acted for charitable trust on disposal of assets valued at USD 12.6 million
- Acted for OPIC in USD 9.6 million project financing and recovery
- Property due diligence and acquisition for AAR Healthcare and Quadco Two Hundred and Fifty Four
- Acted for East African Breweries in USD 7 million land sale
- Acted for IBRD and IFC on acquisition of Nairobi headquarters
- Numerous major residential, conservation, commercial and redevelopment projects including Kenya Airways, Africa Reit, IFAW, Britam and Rockefeller
Publications & Speaking Engagements
- Strathmore University Law School, Adjunct lecturer;
- Kenya School of Law, Mentorship programÂ
Professional Memberships
- Law Society of Kenya
- International Bar Association
- International Commission of Jurists
- Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya
- Commonwealth Law Association
Awards & Rankings
- Recognised by Chambers Global and Legal 500 as a leading real estate practitioner and market expert.
- Recognised by Chambers Global-Private Wealth Law.
- Nairobi Legal Awards, Top 10 Woman Lawyers 2024 Edition, Conveyancing & Commercial Practitioners (Law Society of Kenya, Nairobi Branch).
