Mining, Energy & Infrastructure

Power generation (solar PV, wind, geothermal, hydro), transmission and distribution, mining exploration and exploitation licences, oil and gas, and supporting infrastructure. We advise on EPRA licensing, NEMA environmental and social impact assessments, mining licences under the Mining Act 2016, community-development agreements, power-purchase agreements and concession structures.

What we advise on. We advise across the energy, mining and infrastructure value chain: power generation projects (solar PV, wind, geothermal, hydro and thermal), transmission and distribution, mining exploration and exploitation, oil and gas, and supporting infrastructure. Our work covers licensing and permitting, power-purchase agreements (PPAs), concession and offtake structures, project finance, land acquisition and wayleaves, environmental and social compliance, and community-development agreements.

Governing law and regulators. Our work is grounded in the Energy Act 2019, the Mining Act 2016, the Petroleum Act, the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (EMCA) and the Land Act, engaging regulators including the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the State Department for Mining and the Ministry of Energy.

Who we act for. We act for independent power producers (IPPs), developers and sponsors, lenders and DFIs, mining licence-holders, EPC contractors and equipment suppliers, and government and county counterparties. Our clients operate in one of Africa’s most active renewable-energy markets, and they need advice that bridges regulatory, land and financing risk.

Why OLM for mining, energy and infrastructure. These projects fail at the intersection of regulation, land and finance — exactly where we are strongest. We secure the licences, clear the land and environmental hurdles, and put financeable contracts in place, coordinating every regulator on a single critical-path timetable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What licences are required to develop a solar power project in Kenya? A solar PV project typically requires an electricity generation licence from EPRA, a grid-connection agreement with KPLC or the relevant network operator, NEMA environmental approval, county government approvals, and land rights (freehold, leasehold or wayleave). We coordinate the full licence and permit stack.

How are mining licences obtained in Kenya? Under the Mining Act 2016, mining rights progress from a reconnaissance licence to a prospecting licence to a mining licence, each with prescribed application requirements, work-programme commitments and community-benefit obligations. We advise licence applicants through the process.

What is a power purchase agreement (PPA) in Kenya? A PPA is a long-term contract between an electricity generator and a buyer (typically KPLC under the single-buyer model) setting the tariff, dispatch obligations, payment mechanisms and termination provisions. We advise generators, lenders and offtakers on PPA negotiation and financing.