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Christina Nduba-Banja

Partner | Nairobi

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T: +254 20 503 1600

Overview

Christina has a unique blend of deep corporate law expertise and a forward-looking focus on sustainability and climate-related regulation. She is known for her practical, client-centric approach and her ability to guide both international and local organisations through complex legal and regulatory landscapes in Kenya and across East Africa. Clients value her clarity, strategic thinking, and calm leadership style, particularly in high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional transactions.

She is particularly sought after for her cross-sector insights, having advised on everything from high-value M&A and capital markets transactions to structuring of investment vehicles and regulatory strategy in highly regulated industries. Christina’s experience spans financial services, fintech, agriculture, and the fast-evolving carbon markets.

Christina regularly assists international and local organisations—including non-profits, foundations, and commercial enterprises—looking to establish operations in Kenya. She advises on entity structuring, incorporation, licensing, and ongoing regulatory compliance across a range of sectors. Her clients appreciate her ability to demystify the regulatory framework and provide commercially grounded solutions that align with their operational goals.

She is at the forefront of legal advisory in Kenya’s growing carbon markets. She advises carbon project developers, investors, and corporate buyers on the structuring and negotiation of carbon trading agreements, including carbon purchase and project development agreements. With a strong grasp of both global climate finance instruments and Kenya’s emerging legal framework, she helps clients navigate regulatory approvals, compliance, and long-term risk management in sustainability-linked investments.

As she spearheads the ESG practice at Bowmans Kenya, Christina works with businesses to integrate environmental and social considerations into their corporate strategies. Her advisory covers ESG governance, disclosure obligations, climate risk, and sustainable finance. Her clients benefit from her dual focus on legal rigour and market practicality – especially as ESG regulations evolve locally and globally. She is known for building strong, collaborative relationships and delivering advice that blends impact with business value.

Her practice focuses on:

  • advising international and local companies on establishing operations in Kenya across diverse sectors, including non-for-profits and charities, financial services, agriculture, fintech and carbon project developers.
  • incorporation, licensing, regulatory and compliance advice for players in the financial services sector including banking, capital markets, asset managers insurance and pension and retirement benefits.
  • providing regulatory compliance advice, including licensing, governance, and structuring for businesses operating in highly regulated industries.
  • advising on joint ventures, shareholder agreements, corporate restructurings, and governance matters.
  • representing both investors and founders in equity and debt investments, including minority and majority stake transaction.
  • advising on both private and public M&A transactions, including regulated company acquisitions and disposals.
  • providing strategic counsel on regulatory approvals, due diligence, structuring, and negotiation of transaction documents.
  • Kenyan capital markets regulations, including takeovers, corporate restructurings, and cross-border transactions.
  • advising corporate investors on structuring of investment vehicles.
  • advising on carbon market transactions in Kenya, including structuring and negotiation of agreements for carbon credit projects.
  • drafting and reviewing carbon purchase agreements, project development agreements, and other climate finance-related instruments.
  • providing guidance on compliance with Kenya’s regulatory framework for carbon markets and sustainability-linked investments.

Experience

Jurisdictions worked in: Kenya, South Africa and the United Kingdom
Languages fluent in: English

Christina has advised:

Mergers & Acquisitions

  • Mayfair Bank in relation to the acquisition of a majority stake in the bank by Commercial International Bank of Egypt.
  • Lipton Teas and Infusions B.V. on the sale of its tea plantations businesses in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania to Browns Investments plc.
  • The Holcim Group on the sale of shares in Bamburi Cement PLC, listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, through a mandatory takeover offer.
  • Amethis and Naivas in relation to the sale of a 40% stake in Kenya’s largest retail chain, Naivas to IBL.
  • CVC Capital Partners on its acquisition of the Kenyan portion of Unilever plc’s tea plantations business worldwide.
  • UAP Old Mutual Group in relation to the restructuring of their life insurance business through the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Limited by way of a scheme of arrangement.
  • WPP Plc in relation to the Kenyan leg of the global sale of its TNS data analytics business.
  • Bioline Agrosciences (InVivo Group) in relation to the acquisition of the Kenyan biocontrol company Dudutechfrom Flamingo Group International.
  • Sanlam Investments Limited in relation to the sale of its asset management business to Pine Bridge Investments East Africa Limited.
  • Montfort Holdings in relation to its acquisition of Kencor Petroleum Limited.
  • Plum LLP, a significant shareholder in Britam Holdings Plc, a public company listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange Limited,, in relation to the private sale of shares in Britam to Swiss Re Asset Management Geneva S.A., Carouge.
  • Britam in relation to the review of the operator agreements with Ascott International Management for the management of serviced apartments developed by Britam.
  • Inchcape Plc in relation to its acquisition of the Jaguar Land Rover automotive retail business in Kenya carried on by RMA Motors (Kenya) Limited, together with associated assets, through its subsidiary Inchcape Kenya Limited.
  • Farallon Capital Management, East African Development Bank and KCB Bank Kenya Limited, the long-term lenders to Pan African Paper Mills (East Africa) Limited (In Receivership) (“PPM”) in the sale of PPM’s assets to Tarlochan Limited, a subsidiary of the Rai Group of companies.
  • Fidelity Commercial Bank and its shareholders on an acquisition by SBM Africa Holdings following liquidity issues.

Carbon Markets and Climate Change Mitigation

  • Sirona Technologies in relation to structuring a direct air capture company inKenya;
  • Savo Earth in relation to the acquisition of a distressed carbon project developer;
  • A confidential client in respect of setting up a platform for carbon assessments and possible set up of a carbon registry in Kenya.
  • Cella Storage with relevant documentation. Cella Storage is the first carbon storage company in East Africa that injects captured atmospheric CO2 into volcanic rocks, where mineralization permanently locks it underground.
  • Vlinder, the project proponent, in relation to preparing documentation for a blue carbon project to restore 1500 hectares of degraded mangrove areas in Kwale, Kilifi, and Tana River Counties in Kenya.
  • Hummingbirds in relation to their EUR 1 million investment for 300 Ha of the mangrove restoration project that is part of the Papariko Project by Vlinder.
  • Trees for the Future in relation to its sustainable agroforestry project with smallholder farmers, including drafting of farmer carbon credit contracts and conducting trainings for the representatives who engage with the farmers to ensure they have a clear understanding of the contract.
  • On the implementation and roll out of a multi-country agroforestry programme to restore the land and livelihoods of over two million vulnerable small-scale farming households on a carbon credit project across six countries: Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Ethiopia.

Awards

‘The team, led by Christina Nduba-Banja, delivered outstanding performance.’

‘Christina Nduba-Banja is an exceptional lawyer and individual. Despite being a partner, she remained approachable and accessible, consistently addressing every detail, concern, and issue in the M&A transaction with thoroughness and efficiency.’

‘Christina Nduba-Banja’s extensive experience in M&A was clear in how she represented us and effectively led her team. Even amid frustrating delays, Christina maintained her composure, which had a reassuring and calming effect on both her clients and her team.’

‘Christina Nduba-Banja was forthright about areas outside her expertise, involving other firm members to address specific issues, which further reinforced our confidence in both her and the firm’s overall competence.’

  • IFLR1000’s Financial and Corporate guide recognised Christina as a Notable Practitioner for her work in Kenya in 2025.
  • Legal 500, 2025
  • Legal 500, 2022

‘Christina effectively demonstrated her extensive legal and industry knowledge, and skills. She was attentive and client-focused, showing her insight into the client’s business with a sharp wit. Her management of the transaction were invaluable in navigating the constantly evolving transaction environment. Moreover, she ensured that we had access to her carefully selected team, who were knowledgeable about the matter, readily available, and dedicated to meeting our business needs. Finally, she was transparent about her limitations; providing suitable solutions by roping in expert counsel in the Bowmans’ team.’ –  IFLR1000, 2024

‘The primary lawyers I dealt with were Richard Harney and Christina Nduba-Banja. I had a very good experience working with them. I appreciated their availability and reactivity, the clarity of their advice and their pragmatism and business-oriented approach to deal with issues and propose solutions that work for both parties.’

‘Christina Nduba is our relationship partner. She has been excellent in acting as a relationship partner and managing her team to provide outstanding service.’

 

AREA OF EXPERTISE

Qualifications

Education

  • LLB (cum laude), University of South Africa.
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Law, Kenya School of Law.

INSIGHTS

Overview

Christina has a unique blend of deep corporate law expertise and a forward-looking focus on sustainability and climate-related regulation. She is known for her practical, client-centric approach and her ability to guide both international and local organisations through complex legal and regulatory landscapes in Kenya and across East Africa. Clients value her clarity, strategic thinking, and calm leadership style, particularly in high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional transactions.

She is particularly sought after for her cross-sector insights, having advised on everything from high-value M&A and capital markets transactions to structuring of investment vehicles and regulatory strategy in highly regulated industries. Christina’s experience spans financial services, fintech, agriculture, and the fast-evolving carbon markets.

Christina regularly assists international and local organisations—including non-profits, foundations, and commercial enterprises—looking to establish operations in Kenya. She advises on entity structuring, incorporation, licensing, and ongoing regulatory compliance across a range of sectors. Her clients appreciate her ability to demystify the regulatory framework and provide commercially grounded solutions that align with their operational goals.

She is at the forefront of legal advisory in Kenya’s growing carbon markets. She advises carbon project developers, investors, and corporate buyers on the structuring and negotiation of carbon trading agreements, including carbon purchase and project development agreements. With a strong grasp of both global climate finance instruments and Kenya’s emerging legal framework, she helps clients navigate regulatory approvals, compliance, and long-term risk management in sustainability-linked investments.

As she spearheads the ESG practice at Bowmans Kenya, Christina works with businesses to integrate environmental and social considerations into their corporate strategies. Her advisory covers ESG governance, disclosure obligations, climate risk, and sustainable finance. Her clients benefit from her dual focus on legal rigour and market practicality – especially as ESG regulations evolve locally and globally. She is known for building strong, collaborative relationships and delivering advice that blends impact with business value.

Her practice focuses on:

  • advising international and local companies on establishing operations in Kenya across diverse sectors, including non-for-profits and charities, financial services, agriculture, fintech and carbon project developers.
  • incorporation, licensing, regulatory and compliance advice for players in the financial services sector including banking, capital markets, asset managers insurance and pension and retirement benefits.
  • providing regulatory compliance advice, including licensing, governance, and structuring for businesses operating in highly regulated industries.
  • advising on joint ventures, shareholder agreements, corporate restructurings, and governance matters.
  • representing both investors and founders in equity and debt investments, including minority and majority stake transaction.
  • advising on both private and public M&A transactions, including regulated company acquisitions and disposals.
  • providing strategic counsel on regulatory approvals, due diligence, structuring, and negotiation of transaction documents.
  • Kenyan capital markets regulations, including takeovers, corporate restructurings, and cross-border transactions.
  • advising corporate investors on structuring of investment vehicles.
  • advising on carbon market transactions in Kenya, including structuring and negotiation of agreements for carbon credit projects.
  • drafting and reviewing carbon purchase agreements, project development agreements, and other climate finance-related instruments.
  • providing guidance on compliance with Kenya’s regulatory framework for carbon markets and sustainability-linked investments.

Experience

Jurisdictions worked in: Kenya, South Africa and the United Kingdom
Languages fluent in: English

Christina has advised:

Mergers & Acquisitions

  • Mayfair Bank in relation to the acquisition of a majority stake in the bank by Commercial International Bank of Egypt.
  • Lipton Teas and Infusions B.V. on the sale of its tea plantations businesses in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania to Browns Investments plc.
  • The Holcim Group on the sale of shares in Bamburi Cement PLC, listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, through a mandatory takeover offer.
  • Amethis and Naivas in relation to the sale of a 40% stake in Kenya’s largest retail chain, Naivas to IBL.
  • CVC Capital Partners on its acquisition of the Kenyan portion of Unilever plc’s tea plantations business worldwide.
  • UAP Old Mutual Group in relation to the restructuring of their life insurance business through the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Limited by way of a scheme of arrangement.
  • WPP Plc in relation to the Kenyan leg of the global sale of its TNS data analytics business.
  • Bioline Agrosciences (InVivo Group) in relation to the acquisition of the Kenyan biocontrol company Dudutechfrom Flamingo Group International.
  • Sanlam Investments Limited in relation to the sale of its asset management business to Pine Bridge Investments East Africa Limited.
  • Montfort Holdings in relation to its acquisition of Kencor Petroleum Limited.
  • Plum LLP, a significant shareholder in Britam Holdings Plc, a public company listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange Limited,, in relation to the private sale of shares in Britam to Swiss Re Asset Management Geneva S.A., Carouge.
  • Britam in relation to the review of the operator agreements with Ascott International Management for the management of serviced apartments developed by Britam.
  • Inchcape Plc in relation to its acquisition of the Jaguar Land Rover automotive retail business in Kenya carried on by RMA Motors (Kenya) Limited, together with associated assets, through its subsidiary Inchcape Kenya Limited.
  • Farallon Capital Management, East African Development Bank and KCB Bank Kenya Limited, the long-term lenders to Pan African Paper Mills (East Africa) Limited (In Receivership) (“PPM”) in the sale of PPM’s assets to Tarlochan Limited, a subsidiary of the Rai Group of companies.
  • Fidelity Commercial Bank and its shareholders on an acquisition by SBM Africa Holdings following liquidity issues.

Carbon Markets and Climate Change Mitigation

  • Sirona Technologies in relation to structuring a direct air capture company inKenya;
  • Savo Earth in relation to the acquisition of a distressed carbon project developer;
  • A confidential client in respect of setting up a platform for carbon assessments and possible set up of a carbon registry in Kenya.
  • Cella Storage with relevant documentation. Cella Storage is the first carbon storage company in East Africa that injects captured atmospheric CO2 into volcanic rocks, where mineralization permanently locks it underground.
  • Vlinder, the project proponent, in relation to preparing documentation for a blue carbon project to restore 1500 hectares of degraded mangrove areas in Kwale, Kilifi, and Tana River Counties in Kenya.
  • Hummingbirds in relation to their EUR 1 million investment for 300 Ha of the mangrove restoration project that is part of the Papariko Project by Vlinder.
  • Trees for the Future in relation to its sustainable agroforestry project with smallholder farmers, including drafting of farmer carbon credit contracts and conducting trainings for the representatives who engage with the farmers to ensure they have a clear understanding of the contract.
  • On the implementation and roll out of a multi-country agroforestry programme to restore the land and livelihoods of over two million vulnerable small-scale farming households on a carbon credit project across six countries: Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Ethiopia.

Awards

‘The team, led by Christina Nduba-Banja, delivered outstanding performance.’

‘Christina Nduba-Banja is an exceptional lawyer and individual. Despite being a partner, she remained approachable and accessible, consistently addressing every detail, concern, and issue in the M&A transaction with thoroughness and efficiency.’

‘Christina Nduba-Banja’s extensive experience in M&A was clear in how she represented us and effectively led her team. Even amid frustrating delays, Christina maintained her composure, which had a reassuring and calming effect on both her clients and her team.’

‘Christina Nduba-Banja was forthright about areas outside her expertise, involving other firm members to address specific issues, which further reinforced our confidence in both her and the firm’s overall competence.’

  • IFLR1000’s Financial and Corporate guide recognised Christina as a Notable Practitioner for her work in Kenya in 2025.
  • Legal 500, 2025
  • Legal 500, 2022

‘Christina effectively demonstrated her extensive legal and industry knowledge, and skills. She was attentive and client-focused, showing her insight into the client’s business with a sharp wit. Her management of the transaction were invaluable in navigating the constantly evolving transaction environment. Moreover, she ensured that we had access to her carefully selected team, who were knowledgeable about the matter, readily available, and dedicated to meeting our business needs. Finally, she was transparent about her limitations; providing suitable solutions by roping in expert counsel in the Bowmans’ team.’ –  IFLR1000, 2024

‘The primary lawyers I dealt with were Richard Harney and Christina Nduba-Banja. I had a very good experience working with them. I appreciated their availability and reactivity, the clarity of their advice and their pragmatism and business-oriented approach to deal with issues and propose solutions that work for both parties.’

‘Christina Nduba is our relationship partner. She has been excellent in acting as a relationship partner and managing her team to provide outstanding service.’

 

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Flight and Transfer Information

Departing flight to King Shaka Airport
SAA SA555 25 March 2026 13:40-14:50 OR Tambo to Durban
Transfer details: A shuttle has been arranged to transport you to the hotel, look out for the Bowmans welcome upon arrival.

Return flight
SAA SA546 28 March 2026 11:00-12:10 Durban to OR Tambo
Transfer details: A shuttle has been arranged to transport you to the airport from the hotel reception.