InfrastructureLawStrategy

ABOUT PAULA

Infrastructure Lawyer.
Strategic Thinker.
African Perspective.

Paula Ochango is an infrastructure and projects lawyer working at the intersection of law, infrastructure development, project finance and strategy across Africa.

MY JOURNEY

A decade across law, transactions, infrastructure and leadership.

2016

Joined Dentons

Began my career at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews, building a strong foundation across banking & finance, corporate transactions, M&A, real estate, regulatory advisory and commercial law.

2018

Admitted to the bar

Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya while still practising at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews, continuing to work on significant local and cross-border transactions.

2022

From Private Practice to Infrastructure

Joined Mota-Engil Engenharia e Construção África as Legal Counsel, marking a deliberate shift into major infrastructure and construction projects.

My work expanded across PPPs, project development, project finance, construction contracting, procurement and cross-border transactions, supporting projects across multiple African jurisdictions.

2024

Deepening My Expertise

Earned the APMG Certified PPP Professional (CP³P®) Foundation certification, strengthening my expertise in PPP frameworks, project structuring and infrastructure delivery.

2025

Industry Recognition & Leadership

Named Runner-Up, Africa Construction Law Rising Star of the Year 2025, recognising my work and emerging leadership within Africa's construction and infrastructure law space.

Recognised as a Private Sector (In-House) Lawyer of the Year 2025 nominee by the LSK Nairobi Branch, reflecting my contribution as an in-house legal professional.

Appointed Kenya Country Representative for Africa Construction Law, contributing to professional development, knowledge-sharing and the growth of the construction law community in Kenya.

2025

Women, Leadership & Infrastructure

Took on a broader leadership role within the construction sector, including serving as Chairwoman of the Mota-Engil Kenya Women's Union and developing initiatives focused on the visibility, professional development and participation of women in construction and infrastructure.

2026

Governance, Compliance & Strategic Leadership

Appointed Compliance Focal Point for Kenya at Mota-Engil, expanding my professional remit into governance, ethics, compliance and organisational risk alongside my infrastructure and projects work.

2026

Advisory Board | Construction for Change

Joined the Advisory Board of Construction for Change, contributing an infrastructure, legal, governance and strategic perspective to an organisation focused on using the built environment to create sustainable social impact.

Today

Infrastructure. Law. Strategy.

Today, my experience sits at the intersection of infrastructure development, project finance, construction, law, governance and strategy.

Alongside my professional practice, I contribute to the industry through speaking, writing, thought leadership, professional associations, advisory roles and initiatives supporting women in infrastructure.

WHERE I ADD VALUE

Infrastructure development PPPs Project finance Strategic transactions Governance Policy African market insight

Paula’s experience spans working alongside developers, investors, financiers, public authorities, consultants and multidisciplinary project teams across African infrastructure markets.

Paula Ochango