Katherine Muldoon leads rebrand of Irish Chamber of Commerce Kenya

Spencer West International Private Wealth Partner Katherine Muldoon has led the rebrand of Ireland Kenya as the Irish Chamber of Commerce Kenya, marking a new chapter for the organisation as it strengthens business connections between the two countries.

Katherine, who serves as the organisation’s Chairperson in addition to her international legal practice, co-hosted the launch with Ireland’s Ambassador to Kenya, Caitríona Ingoldsby, at the Irish Residence in Nairobi on 29 October.

Established in December 2013 with support from the Embassy of Ireland, the organisation has spent nearly 13 years connecting Kenyan, Irish and international businesses and professionals.

Katherine says the organisation’s new identity makes its purpose more explicit, with a focus on representing members, providing market information and supporting business growth.

“For nearly thirteen years we have connected Irish and Kenyan business, and this identity says plainly what we do,” Katherine said.

“We help members understand what is happening on the other side, meet the right people and turn existing opportunities into trade and investment.”

Connecting businesses with local understanding

The rebrand comes as the Chamber reports membership growth of more than 30 per cent over the past year, with two-way trade between Ireland and Kenya standing at approximately €574 million in 2024. A new website accompanies the launch, supporting the Chamber’s ambition to attract more organisations interested in opportunities across both markets.

For Katherine, its role goes beyond networking. Her experience advising on cross-border commercial matters has reinforced the importance of understanding a market first-hand, rather than relying solely on reports and projections.

Katherine explains that businesses considering entering or leaving a market need to test their assumptions, including who they know and trust locally, how regulation operates in practice, and what establishing, operating or exiting will involve.

“The Chamber cannot replace legal advice, market research or commercial due diligence,” Katherine said.

“It can, however, connect businesses with people whose local knowledge helps them ask better questions and make more informed decisions.”

An international practice alongside a wider commitment

That practical, international outlook also runs through Katherine’s legal work. Her practice spans private wealth, cross-border disputes, commercial matters and emerging technologies, drawing on professional experience across the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, East Africa and, increasingly, the Middle East.

She advises on matters involving entrepreneurs, investors, family businesses and family offices whose interests extend across jurisdictions. An international arbitrator, accredited mediator and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, she also acts as arbitrator, mediator and counsel in complex disputes.

Her Chamber role sits alongside this practice as a complementary commitment to the international business community. Both involve understanding different commercial environments, building trusted relationships and recognising the practical realities behind cross-border decisions.

The flexibility to build a broader professional life

Balancing legal practice with an external leadership commitment requires room to shape how those responsibilities fit together. Spencer West’s flexible model provides the framework for Katherine to develop her practice while creating opportunities with the Chamber.

For Katherine, that means combining client matters with a sustained commitment to strengthening connections between Ireland and Kenya. Rather than treating those activities as entirely separate, her professional life brings together legal expertise, international relationships and an active interest in how businesses operate across borders.

Her involvement also illustrates a broader dimension of flexibility. It has created the opportunity to build a legal career that accommodates meaningful commitments beyond client work, while remaining grounded in professional expertise.

As the Irish Chamber of Commerce Kenya enters its next chapter, Katherine’s work reflects that combination – an international legal practice alongside a hands-on role connecting businesses, sharing market understanding and helping turn commercial interest into lasting relationships.