Overview of Practice

Shamini Jayanathan OBE is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Following nearly 16 years’ practice as a criminal barrister in the UK, she now advises governments, international organisations, and private and non-profit actors on legal, operational, and reputational risk arising from business, security, and conservation activities across Africa. Her work spans rule of law reform, regulatory design, and accountability frameworks in complex and high-risk environments, including Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland, and has included support to the United Nations, the International Seabed Authority, and conservation organisations such as African Parks. Shamini has particular expertise in human rights, due diligence, and responses to allegations of harm affecting communities impacted by commercial or conservation operations, as well as in the development of compliance and enforcement models addressing organised crime, illegal wildlife trafficking, and cross-border risk.