Commercial Leases & Sectional Property Transfers in Nairobi: Critical Due Diligence
Faith Cherono, Managing Partner
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya • CCA Advocates
Acquiring or leasing commercial real estate in Nairobi represents one of the largest capital commitments a corporate occupier or investor will undertake. The transition of land registries to the digital Ardhisasa platform alongside mandatory sectional title conversions makes seasoned conveyancing counsel vital.
The Conversion of Long-Term Leases
Under the Sectional Properties Act (No. 21 of 2020), developers and unit owners in commercial office towers and mixed-use complexes must convert previous long-term architectural leases into registered Sectional Titles. Failure to convert jeopardizes the legality of sub-titles, complicating future sales and bank financing.
Commercial Lease Pitfalls to Avoid
When negotiating commercial office leases in high-demand hubs such as Westlands, Kilimani, and Upper Hill, tenants frequently sign standard-form landlord leases that contain onerous terms: uncontrolled service charge escalations, ambiguous restoration clauses, and stringent sub-letting bans. CCA Advocates negotiates balanced, tenant-protective agreements that safeguard your balance sheet.
Faith Cherono
Founding & Managing Partner • CCA Advocates
Faith advises corporate entities, technology scale-ups, and private investors on corporate governance, M&A, cross-border commercial transactions, and dispute resolution.