Keega Gachutha Moderates Key Panel on Virtual Asset Regulation at Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference 2025

Published 1 day ago• 8 minute read

Keega & Company Advocates LLP Managing Partner Keega Gachutha took centre stage at the opening of the Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference (#KBCC2025) as the moderator of a critical panel on the “Regulatory Landscape, Compliance & Risks in Virtual Assets.” The discussion brought together leading voices from the legal, regulatory, and fintech sectors to explore the evolving frameworks governing virtual assets in Kenya and across Africa.

The panel addressed pressing questions including emerging compliance trends on the continent, how tax authorities and platforms are adapting to new regulatory demands, and the key risks crypto projects, exchanges, and users must navigate in 2025 and beyond. Under Gachutha’s skilled moderation, the conversation emphasized Kenya’s proactive regulatory approach, including recent initiatives like the Virtual Asset Service Provider Bill and multi-agency collaborations aimed at balancing innovation with investor protection.

Keega Gachutha is a Kenyan legal professional specializing in blockchain, data protection, and fintech law, with a growing reputation in the digital finance sector. He is known for his expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and has actively contributed to discussions on blockchain and virtual asset regulation in Kenya. He combines a strong legal background with practical insights into emerging technologies, positioning him as a rising voice in Kenya’s evolving digital economy and digital finance legal landscape.

The Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference continues to be a vital platform for shaping Africa’s digital economy, with voices like Gachutha’s ensuring that legal and regulatory frameworks evolve in step with technological innovation. The session underscored the need for robust compliance, consumer education, and risk management to foster sustainable growth in Kenya’s burgeoning virtual asset ecosystem, where over 20 firms currently operate. Keega demonstrated his command of complex regulatory issues, facilitating a nuanced dialogue that connected regulators, legal experts, and industry stakeholders.

The Lawyer Africa Team

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Published

3 hours ago

June 13, 2025

By Nelson Nkari, Founder & Managing Partner Nelson Nkari & Company Advocates.

Kenya’s recently unveiled National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy 2025-2030 sets a bold vision for the country to become a continental leader in AI research, innovation, and responsible deployment. In his article, Nelson Nkari unpacks the strategy’s core pillars, enablers, and implementation roadmap, highlighting its potential impact on Kenya’s digital and economic future.

The strategy adopts a phased approach, beginning with policy and regulatory reforms, followed by infrastructure rollout, workforce development, and sector-specific pilots. Priority sectors identified for AI adoption include healthcare (for diagnostics and service delivery), agriculture (for smart farming), education (for personalized learning), security, MSMEs, and the creative industries.

Kenya’s strategy is notable for its emphasis on ethical AI, data sovereignty, and inclusive growth. By leveraging international collaborations and local expertise, Kenya aims to position itself as Africa’s AI innovation hub, driving sustainable development and ensuring that AI benefits all citizens.

Nelson Nkari is the founding and managing partner of Nelson Nkari & Company Advocates. With over five years of experience at the intersection of law and technology, Nelson combines his expertise in legal practice with a background in software engineering. This unique multidisciplinary skill set positions him as a leading voice in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and technology law. Nelson is recognized for his innovative approach to legal challenges, advising government institutions, inter-governmental organizations, NGOs, and multinational corporations on complex tech-driven legal matters.

Nelson Nkari & Company Advocates

Your premier partner for Technology Law excellence!

Established in 2021, our firm stands as a beacon of innovation and expertise in the dynamic world of Technology Law. We understand the complexities and ever-evolving nature of the technology industry, and we are committed to providing top-tier legal services to clients navigating the nexus of Law and Technology. Whether you are a startup, a tech giant, or an individual innovator, we are here to help you protect your intellectual property, comply with regulatory requirements, and resolve disputes efficiently and effectively.

We pride ourselves on our client-centric approach. We believe in building strong, lasting relationships with our clients by delivering personalized and results-oriented legal services. Our team of experienced lawyers is well-versed in the latest developments in technology law, allowing us to offer proactive and forward-thinking solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.

Our mission is to empower our clients to achieve their business goals. Trust us for unparalleled legal insights, client-focused solutions, and a seamless marriage of Technology and Law.

Published

1 day ago

June 12, 2025

Manyonge Wanyama & Associates Advocates LLP, led by Managing Partner Senior Advocate Peter Wanyama, has achieved a significant procedural victory in Court of Appeal in the preliminary stage of a major commercial dispute involving beer distribution in Kenya, Tony West Limited & another v Kenya Breweries Limited & another. The case whose subject matter value is billions of shillings challenges monopolistic practices and addresses fundamental issues of market liberalization under Kenya’s constitutional framework.

The dispute has drawn attention due to the involvement of some of Kenya’s most prominent legal minds, including George Oraro SC, Prof. Githu Muigai SC, Fred Ngatia SC, Kamau Karori SC, and Dr. Ken Kiplagat. Manyonge Wanyama & Associates’ success in securing an injunction pending hearing and determination of the firm’s client appeal from High Court allows the matter to proceed to substantive hearings, where critical legal arguments on competition law and contractual rights will be tested.

This well-earned victory underscores Manyonge Wanyama & Associates LLP growing prominence in handling high-stakes commercial litigation and public law matters. Peter Wanyama, a seasoned advocate with 18 years of experience who is ranked and acknowledged to be among the ccountry’s top litigation lawyers, expressed confidence in the firm’s ability to navigate complex legal terrain and deliver robust advocacy on behalf of its clients.

“In this multi-billion dispute, myself [with just 18 years experience in the bar] go against Kenya’s eminent lawyers- SC George Oraro, Prof. Githu Muigai, SC, Fred Ngatia SC, Kamau Karori SC, and Dr. Ken Kiplagat. My law firm is prepared to make firm legal arguments about market liberalisation and prohibition of monopoly in the post 2010 constitutional order, rights of contracting parties, and remedies,” said Senior Advocate Peter Wanyama.

The firm offers high-end legal solutions to clients in both the public and private sectors locally and internationally. Known for its pragmatic and client-focused approach, Manyonge Wanyama & Associates specializes in complex cases in public law, commercial litigation, and regulatory compliance. The firm prides itself on providing tailored legal services with a commitment to client success.

For more information about the firm, visit: www.manyongewanyama.com and follow Peter Wanyama on LinkedIn: https://ke.linkedin.com/in/peter-wanyama-988312b

The Lawyer Africa Team

Published

1 day ago

June 12, 2025

Bowmans Partner and Project Finance Specialist Alessandra Pardini will be participating at the 27th Africa Energy Forum (AEF) scheduled for June 17-20, 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Pardini will moderate the panel discussion titled focusing on the critical role of solar energy in meeting Africa’s growing electricity demand.

Alessandra Pardini is a highly regarded expert in project finance transactions within the energy and infrastructure sectors. Based in Bowmans’ Johannesburg office, she has extensive experience structuring commercial agreements, negotiating EPC contracts, power purchase agreements, and public-private partnerships. Since joining Bowmans in January 2025, Alessandra has been instrumental in advancing the firm’s project finance practice, particularly in renewable energy.

In a post on Bowmans LinkedIn Page, Pardini stated ‘Harnessing solar energy to meet growing demand for electricity across Africa requires coordinated efforts across policy, finance, infrastructure, technology and human capital. The governments in those countries that lack clear, long-term renewable energy policies, should be looking to enact comprehensive national energy policies that prioritise solar energy, with clear targets, timelines and implementation strategies as a starting point.’

The Africa Energy Forum is Africa’s premier energy event, bringing together over 6,000 delegates including government officials, utilities, regulators, financiers, and industry leaders. The forum serves as a vital platform to drive investment, collaboration, and innovation in Africa’s energy sector, with a strong focus on sustainable and clean energy solutions. Bowmans Law is one of the sponsors of the 27th Africa Energy Forum 2025 (#AEF25), a gathering which has a demonstrated track record of being a powerful platform in Africa’s energy sector.

Recognized for her client-centric approach and expertise in renewable energy projects

About Bowmans:
Bowmans is a leading African law firm with a strong presence across the continent, known for advising on complex projects in energy, infrastructure, banking, and finance. The firm is committed to supporting Africa’s sustainable development through innovative legal solutions.

For more information on the Africa Energy Forum 2025 and Alessandra Pardini’s participation, visit Bowmans’ website at https://bowmanslaw.com/