SMC Advocates is one of the few Kenyan law firms that pairs full commercial and litigation practice with deep expertise in Islamic law. For more than thirty years we have advised families, businesses and financial institutions who need their legal affairs to be valid under Kenyan law and faithful to Sharia.
Led by a recognised authority in Islamic finance
Our Islamic law practice is led by Swaleh Kanyeki, LL.M (UK), LL.B (Khartoum), Senior Partner at Swaleh Mwangi & Company Advocates. Swaleh served as a Sharia Board Member at Gulf African Bank Limited, Kenya’s premier Islamic bank, where he helped develop Sharia-compliant financial frameworks for the region. He brings over 30 years of experience in corporate, commercial and Sharia-compliant legal practice.
How we help
- Islamic banking and finance: structuring and documenting Murabaha, Ijara, Musharaka, Mudaraba, Wakala, Istisna and Sukuk transactions.
- Islamic wills and estate planning: wills that respect the fixed Quranic shares and are enforceable in Kenya.
- Muslim succession and inheritance: administering estates and resolving inheritance disputes.
- Kadhi Court representation: marriage, divorce and inheritance matters before the Kadhis’ Courts.
- Sharia-compliant business structuring: partnerships, contracts and investments reviewed against Islamic commercial principles.
- Wealth management, trusts and Waqf: preserving family and charitable wealth across generations.
Why clients choose SMC Advocates
- One firm for both systems: we work fluently in Kenyan statutory law and Islamic jurisprudence, so advice holds up in the High Court and the Kadhis’ Courts.
- Banking-level Sharia experience from our Senior Partner’s board role at an Islamic bank.
- Regional reach through the AZTAN Law Network, with partner offices in Rwanda, the UAE and Sudan.
- Discreet, culturally aware advice for families and businesses.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Sharia-compliant lawyer do?
A Sharia-compliant lawyer makes sure your contracts, finance, will or estate meet the requirements of Islamic law while remaining valid and enforceable under Kenyan law. That covers everything from avoiding interest (riba) in finance to dividing an estate according to the Quranic shares.
Can a Kenyan court enforce an Islamic contract?
Yes. Sharia-compliant contracts such as Murabaha or Ijara agreements are enforceable in Kenya when they are properly drafted under Kenyan contract law. We draft them so they satisfy both systems.
Do you advise non-Muslim clients on Islamic finance?
Yes. We advise banks, investors and businesses of every background who want to offer, use or invest in Sharia-compliant products.
Where are your offices?
Our head office is on the 10th Floor, Highway Heights, Marcus Garvey Road, Kilimani, Nairobi, with partner offices in Kigali, Dubai and Khartoum.
Speak to our Islamic law team. Call (+254) 793 368 555, email info@swalehmwangi.co.ke, or request a free consultation. Our offices are on the 10th Floor, Highway Heights, Marcus Garvey Road, Kilimani, Nairobi.