Energy & Natural Resources

Energy and natural resources lawyers for independent power producers (IPPs), mining licence-holders, oil and gas operators and renewable-energy developers in Kenya. We advise across the project lifecycle — EPRA licensing, NEMA environmental approvals, power-purchase agreements, mining licences under the Mining Act 2016, project finance and community-development agreements — in one of Africa’s leading geothermal, wind and solar markets.

Relevant expertise: Mining, Energy & Infrastructure; Projects & PPP; Banking & Finance; Dispute Resolution & ADR; Corporate & Commercial

How we help. We act for IPPs, developers, lenders, DFIs, mining licence-holders and EPC contractors across the project lifecycle: EPRA and mining licensing, NEMA environmental and social impact assessments, power-purchase and offtake agreements, concession structures, project finance, land acquisition and wayleaves, and community-development agreements. When projects are delayed or disputed, our dispute-resolution team handles the contentious phase.

Why OLM for energy and natural resources. Kenya leads Africa in geothermal and is a major wind and solar market, but projects stall at the intersection of regulation, land and finance. We coordinate every regulator on one critical-path timetable and deliver financeable contracts, so projects reach close and construction starts on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What approvals does a renewable-energy project need in Kenya? EPRA licensing, NEMA environmental approval (an ESIA licence), land and wayleave consents, and a bankable PPA. We obtain the full set and align them with the financing timetable.

How long does it take to develop a power project in Kenya? From feasibility to financial close typically takes two to four years for a utility-scale project, depending on the technology, site conditions and grid-connection timing. We advise on schedule risk and manage the regulatory critical path.

What are the rules on community development agreements for mining? Under the Mining Act 2016, mining licence-holders must negotiate community development agreements with project-area communities, covering employment, local procurement, environmental management and benefit-sharing. We draft and negotiate these agreements.