Practice Areas
About Me
Adil Khawaja is a partner at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews, and a leading name in the real estate, environmental and planning industry, and commercial litigation and dispute resolution circles. He advises investors, high net worth clients, companies and the Government of Kenya. His experience includes advising on a multitude of complex commercial and residential land transactions that includes: the development of Kenya’s first grade “A” logistic and distribution Warehouse Park; eco-conveyancing for clients in the tourism sector; complicated land control issues, company restructuring and environmental policy issues for the Government of Kenya. Adil’s vast experience has seen him repeatedly clinch the Band 1 ranking from Chambers and Partners the world’s leading directory of lawyers, where his clients gave a sterling review in this year’s ranking and said Adil is “my go-to adviser for all matters and has a presence about him that puts me at ease. He has an unparalleled understanding of the market and always provides practical advice." Adil’s clients also remarked in this year’s Legal 500 that Adil’s “knowledge of the Kenyan and global environment is a great strength of the firm”. Adil regularly advises investors who are keen on investing not only in Africa but globally and 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. Adil is also active in the wildlife and environmental conservation space. He is an executive member of the Nairobi Arboretum Conservancy Community Forest Association. He has also served as a director on the National Environment Council, a Trustee to the Friends of Conservation and Care for the Wild Kenya, as well as the Kenya Wildlife Service. Adil was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) by the President of the Republic of Kenya in 2022.
Experience
- Appointed by the Government of Kenya to The Multi-Sectoral Taskforce to inquire into forest resources management and logging activities in Kenya.
- Acting for a multinational international company that focuses on engineering and construction in the purchase of a residential property worth US$8.9 million.
- Advised an international construction company in the purchase of land in a mixed use development known as Tatu City through a consideration swap.
- Aced as legal counsel of an investment company registered in the United Arab Emirates in its acquisition of a minority stake in an insurance company in Kenya.
- Advising a client on an on-going land swap transaction between the company and the Government of Kenya. The land swap, which is at an advance stage, will enable the company expand its operations in the Western region of Kenya leading to reduction of poverty by generating employment.
- Advising a client on an on-going acquisition of assets and immovable property from companies that are currently under receivership.
- Advising on an on-going acquisition of immovable property along the Nairobi Southern By-Pass Highway which involves legally relinquishing encumbrances on the property and supervising the subdivision and change of user processes.
- Advising a client in the acquisition of a farm land measuring 3,620 acres in Nanyuki, which is Kenya’s well known conservancy area.
- Advising a client in its business expansion in the country in the medicine field by the acquisition of a hospital facility in Eldoret town worth US$25 million.
Recognition
- "Managing partner Adil Khawaja acts on the full gamut of real estate matters, including large-scale project developments, property sales and purchases, land acquisitions, leases and subdivisions. He is also well equipped to advise on environmental legislation in the sector." A client commented: "Adil is my go-to adviser for all matters and has a presence about him that puts me at ease. He has an unparalleled understanding of the market and always provides practical advice." – Band 1, Real Estate, Chambers Global 2020
- "Adil’s clients also remarked that in this year’s Legal 500 that 'Adil Khawaja’s knowledge of the Kenyan and global environment is a great strength of the firm and he has managed to create a great team of associates who are always helpful and available. Adil’s negotiation skills are extraordinary and his kindness always benefits all.'" – Band 2, Real Estate and Construction, Legal 500 2020
- “Adil Khawaja is considered to be 'a leading name' in the Kenyan real estate market, acknowledged for his impressive work on planning and development. His experience spans mixed-use developments, as well as transactions in the retail, residential and hospitality sectors. He has handled a number of novel deals, including consideration swaps, and is well placed to undertake land use and subdivision matters” – Chambers Global 2019
Activities and Affiliations
- Director, Rhino Ark
- Director, Atua Enkop Africa Limited
- Director, Al Futtaim Automative -CMC Motors Group Limited
Community Involvement and Pro Bono
- Member, Nairobi Arboretum Conservancy Community Forest Assocation, 2019–to date
- Chairman, Human Capital and Finance Committee, appointed Board of Trustees Kenya Wildlife Service, 2011–2014
- Board of Trustees Friends of Conservation, A non-profit wildlife conservation organisation, 2006–2011
- Committee, Law Society of Kenya Committee seconded to the Judiciary, responsible for the renovation of the new Commercial Courts at Milimani, 2007–2011
- Law Society of Kenya Elections Scrutineer, 2007–2010
- Member, National Environment Council, under the National Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, 2005–2009
- Honorary Warden Kenya Wildlife Service, 2004–2013
Memberships
- Member, Law Society of Kenya, 1994
- Member, London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
- Member, Institute of Certified Public Secretaries
Prior and Present Employment
- Partner, Dentons Hamilton, Harrison & Mathews 2024 to present
- Managing Partner, Dentons Hamilton, Harrison & Mathews 2013 to 2024
- Partner, Hamilton, Harrison & Mathews, 2001
- Associate, Hamilton, Harrison & Mathews, 1995
- Trainee, Hamilton, Harrison & Mathews, 1993