The term "family office" describes a private advisory structure established by a wealthy family to manage its financial, legal and administrative affairs across generations. In Kenya, the concept is gaining traction among entrepreneurial families, diaspora households and high-net-worth individuals who require coordinated, professional management of their wealth and family affairs. This guide explains what family office law involves in Kenya and how WKA Advocates supports clients in this space.
What is a Family Office?
A family office typically handles some or all of: investment oversight, legal structuring, estate and succession planning, trust administration, philanthropy, governance of family-owned businesses, and coordination of professional advisers. A single-family office (SFO) serves one family exclusively; a multi-family office (MFO) serves several families and spreads overhead costs.
The Legal Framework in Kenya
Family office structures in Kenya draw on several bodies of law:
- Trusts: The Trustees Act and the common law of trusts govern the creation and administration of family trusts.
- Succession: The Law of Succession Act 2012 (Revised) governs wills, intestate succession, grants of probate and letters of administration.
- Company law: Family holding companies and investment vehicles are governed by the Companies Act 2015.
- Matrimonial property: The Matrimonial Property Act 2013 and the Constitution govern spousal rights in family assets.
- Children: The Children Act 2022 governs guardianship, custody and parental responsibility for minors.
What a Family Office Lawyer Does
A family office lawyer integrates expertise across all these areas to provide:
- Structuring of holding companies, trusts and other ownership vehicles.
- Drafting of wills, trust deeds and family governance documents.
- Succession planning and estate administration.
- Advice on matrimonial property, prenuptial agreements and divorce property disputes.
- Cross-border planning where family members or assets are in multiple jurisdictions.
- Coordination with financial advisers, accountants and other professionals.
Why Engage WKA Advocates?
WKA Advocates brings together the succession, corporate, real estate and family law expertise required for effective family office advising. Our team understands that family wealth is not just a financial question — it involves relationships, values and legacy. We provide structured, confidential advice that serves both the immediate legal need and the family's long-term objectives.