OCO Round Table

Kenya operates a self-assessment tax system that requires both individuals and legal entities to compute, declare, and remit their taxes to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). In this episode, #ourveryown Partner Renee Omondi and Associate Melanie Mwenda unpack everything you need to know about tax returns and refunds in Kenya. They cover tax return deadlines and penalties, the common mistakes taxp...

While the internet has no physical boundaries and is globally accessible, trademarks are territorial in nature. In this episode, #ourveryown Deputy Managing Partner John Mbaluto, FCIArb, Partner Claire Mwangi, and Associates Wambui Mwariri, Blenda Nyahoro, and Melanie Mwenda look at a famous international trademark case and explore trademarks in the digital age. Tune in for an insightful conversat...

In another Trademarks episode, #ourveryown Deputy Managing Partner John Mbaluto, FCIArb, Partner Claire Mwangi, and Associates Wambui Mwariri, Blenda Nyahoro, and Melanie Mwenda examine Kenyan trademark case law. They unpack key rulings and share practical insights. Tune in to explore whether trademark ownership solely depends on registration or recognition as a well-known mark, and whether simila...

In this episode, #ourveryown Deputy Managing Partner John Mbaluto, FCIArb, Partner Claire Mwangi, and Associates Wambui Mwariri, Blenda Nyahoro, and Melanie Mwenda dive into the world of trademarks, unpacking what a “mark” really means in simple terms: a sign that helps distinguish one business’s goods or services from another. It’s how a brand communicates, “This is my product” or “This is my ser...

Kenya is reshaping the future of disability rights. In this episode, #ourveryown Partners Claire Mwangi and Sandra Kavagi are joined by Associate Brian Onyango and Legal Assistant Adrian Muli to unpack the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025. The new Act takes a departure from the traditional charity-based models, embracing a rights-based framework that centres dignity, equality, and full inclusio...

We are closing out Disability Pride Month with another #OCORoundTable episode. #Ourveryown Partners Claire Mwangi and Sandra Kavagi, with Associate Brian Onyango, are joined by Bright Oywaya, Vice Chairperson of the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK), as they continue to explore the 2025 theme: “We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay.” This episode explores issues affecting Pe...

In this Disability Pride Month episode, #ouveryown Partners Claire Mwangi, Sandra Kavagi, and Associate Brian Onyango explore the 2025 theme, “We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay,” alongside guest James Gichuhi from ITAC Consulting. Together, they dive into the realities of the disability experience, sharing personal stories, challenging stereotypes, and highlighting the importance of accessibi...

Inspired by the 2025 World Intellectual Property Day theme, “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP”, #ourveryown Deputy Managing Partner John Mbaluto, Partner Claire Mwangi, and Associates Wambui Mwariri and Melanie Mwenda explore the powerful role of intellectual property in the music industry. Tune in as they discuss how IP rights fuel creativity and innovation, safeguard the work of songwriters, co...

In this special year-end episode of the #OCORoundTable podcast, we feature our exceptional 2024 pupillage cohort: Electine Achieng, Steven Odhiambo, Alfonce Oduor, Venessa Sifunjo, Mirriam Mallei, Melanie Nkirote Mwenda, Peter Kariuki, and Leanne Agutu. These bright minds share their unique perspectives on a transformative journey marked by laughter, hard work, and invaluable learning moments. Fro...

In this episode, #ourveryown Partner Jacob Ochieng, Senior Associate Morris Muriu Mbugua, and host Melanie Mwenda dive into the connection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data protection. As AI becomes an integral part of our everyday lives, safeguarding personal data is more crucial than ever. Tune in as they address the biggest challenges AI presents for data privacy, explore the game-c...

Join #ourveryown Deputy Managing Partner John Mbaluto, FCIArb, Associate Natalie Obago and host Melanie Mwenda as they discuss key rulings by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) and the importance of complying with Kenya's Data Protection Act (DPA). They explore the ODPC's role in overseeing personal data handling, investigating breaches, and resolving complaints, as well as the...

Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, putting both businesses and individuals at risk. In this episode of #OCORoundTable, join #ourveryown Partner Jacob Ochieng, Senior Associate Morris Muriu Mbugua, and host Melanie Mwenda as they explore the crucial issues surrounding data breaches. From uncovering the root causes to understanding the far-reaching consequences, they'll share practi...

Join #ourveryown Deputy Managing Partner, John Mbaluto, FCIArb, and Senior Associate, Morris Muriu Mbugua, as they dive into one of today's most pressing digital issues: data localisation and data transfers. Hosted by Melanie Mwenda, this episode explores the complex impact of data localisation laws on global businesses and the free flow of information. They explore the critical role of 'a...

In this episode, we delve into the importance of building a privacy-centric culture in today’s digital world. #Ourveryown Partner Jacob Ochieng, Associate Natalie Obago, and moderator Melanie Mwenda discuss how organisations can achieve this by embracing data protection by design and default. They explore the significance of these principles in shaping marketing and business strategies, ensuring t...

Discover the key steps every Data Protection Officer (DPO) must take in their first 100 days to build a robust privacy culture within your organisation. #Ourveryown Deputy Managing Partner John Mbaluto, Associate Natalie Obago, and moderator Melanie Mwenda as they delve into the crucial responsibilities of a DPO and explain why having one is essential for meeting data protection requirements. #OCO...

Join our very own Associates Jessica Detho and Brian Waguma in this episode of the #OCORoundtable as they dive into the crucial topic of Employment & Disability Mainstreaming in the Workplace. Discover why disability inclusion matters, the hurdles faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and the innovative solutions that can drive change. Learn about the untapped opportunities and the incred...

In this episode of the #OCORoundTable Podcast, #ourveryown Associates Meshack Kwaka and Brian Onyango highlight the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) decisions shaping employment law and labour relations in the country. They explore the courts' definitions of disability thresholds and the importance of defining disability status, discuss voiding employment contracts, and distinguish...

Join #ourveryown Senior Associate Sandra Kavagi and Associates Erastus Rabut and Jonathan Kisia as they delve into the intricacies of Kenya's Labour Institutions Act. This episode explores the establishment of Wages Councils tasked with shaping minimum wage policy, investigating remuneration across various sectors such as agriculture and domestic services. These councils offer recommendations...

This week, as we honour the invaluable contributions of workers, our #OCORoundTable podcast focuses on the ever-changing realm of employment and labour. In this episode, #ourveryown Senior Partner Chacha Odera, Senior Associate Sandra Kavagi, Senior Associate Anne Kadima, Associate Meshack Kwaka, and Associate Jonathan Kisia explore the legal implications of emerging trends in the workplace, inclu...

Join #ourveryown Partner Cindy Oraro, along with Associates Zahra Omar and Madikizela Otieno, for an insightful dive into their podcasting journey. Discover the inspiration behind the #OCORoundTable podcast as they reflect on their experiences as pupils and Associates lawyers. They delve into the bonds of friendship within the team while shedding light on a couple of Oraro & Company Advocates...

As we conclude our debut season of the #OCORoundTable, dedicated to exploring the Energy Sector, ESG, and Sustainability, our esteemed Partner, Cindy Oraro, along with Associates Zahra Omar and Madikizela Otieno, provide a comprehensive overview. Join us as they delve into the highlights of each episode, shedding light on key insights. They discuss the promising trajectory of the evolving e-mobili...

There is a global shift from reliance on fossil fuels to renewable energy sources as an increasing number of countries commit to providing clean, affordable, reliable, and modern energy. In this #OCORoundTable episode, #ourveryown Partner, Cindy Oraro, Senior Associate Morris Muriu Mbugua, and Associate Natalie Obago delve into Kenya’s Energy Mix. They take a look at various renewable and non-rene...

Majority of Kenyans rely on traditional fuels to access energy, and women are the ones who mostly bear this burden. In this episode of #OCORoundTable, our very own Partner, Cindy Oraro, and Associate, Zahra Omar, shine a spotlight on "Women and Energy" in an industry traditionally dominated by men. They explore the evolving role of women in the energy sector, their challenges, and stride...

Explore another episode on Carbon Trading and Entrepreneurship featuring #OurVeryOwn Partner Cindy Oraro, and Brian Nyangena, the Co-Founder and CEO of Verst Carbon. Join them as they delve into crucial insights for potential investors eyeing opportunities for Carbon trading in Kenya. The conversation highlights the pivotal role of technology, identifies existing gaps in the sector, and sheds ligh...

Embark on a journey into the realm of climate action with #OurVeryOwn Partner, Cindy Oraro, and Co-Founder and CEO of Verst Carbon, Brian Nyangena. In this episode, they delve deep into the legal and regulatory frameworks shaping the landscape of carbon trading, shedding light on the pivotal role they play in steering us towards a sustainable future. The discussion extends to crucial topics such a...