Our story

Now, for tomorrow

Since 1983, Baker Tilly Merali’s has been a cornerstone of financial excellence in East Africa. Headquartered in Nairobi, with offices in Mogadishu, Kampala, and Kigali, we’re proud to be an independent member of Baker Tilly International, a top 10 global accounting network.

A Legacy of Leadership, A Future of Impact

Established in 1983, Baker Tilly Merali’s has grown from a single office in Nairobi to a leading regional firm, proudly serving Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Somalia. We have built a reputation for delivering high-quality, tailored solutions that help our clients achieve their goals including but not limited to Not-for-profit, government institutions and private individuals. Baker Tilly has worked with businesses across various sectors such as: agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, telecoms, tourism, financial services, and energy.

Renowned for delivering high­ quality, customized solutions, we empower our clients to achieve their business objectives.

From agriculture and healthcare to manufacturing, telecoms, tourism, financial services, energy, not-for-profit organizations, and government institutions, our portfolio spans various sectors.

Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to your success, offering expertise across industries

Our leadership team brings decades of experience in complex regulatory environments, cross-border tax issues, and industry-specific challenges. With offices in Nairobi, Mogadishu, Kampala, and Kigali, we’re embedded in the fabric of East Africa’s economic landscape. And as proud members of Baker Tilly International, we’re globally connected but locally committed. Because at Baker Tilly Merali’s, tomorrow matters.

Expansive Reach, Local Expertise

Strategically headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Baker Tilly Merali’s has established a dynamic network with offices in Mogadishu, Kampala, and Kigali. This strategic footprint enables us to access a rich pool of resources and expertise from both our headquarters and branch offices, ensuring a seamless and responsive approach to meeting our clients’ needs. Our interconnected network exemplifies our commitment to delivering excellence across East Africa

Our Regional Offices

Recognized Excellence: Awards

Our relentless pursuit of excellence has been celebrated with numerous accolades and prestigious industry recognitions. Our talented team’s expertise, innovation, and outstanding results have been acknowledged through:

IAFA - Network of the year winner 2023
Global Recognition

Baker Tilly consistently ranks among the top ten networks of independent accounting and business advisory firms worldwide, reflecting our global impact and reputation for excellence.

MEA Market
Pioneering Initiative

Baker Tilly Kenya proudly pioneered online audits during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing our adaptability and dedication to serving clients amidst challenging times.

CFI.co-Winner-Awards-2023-transparent
CFI 2023 award

Recognized as the Best Audit & Tax Team in East Africa, affirming our commitment to delivering exceptional services.

Globally connected

Because the steps you take today define your tomorrow. Baker Tilly – Now, for tomorrow.

We are an independent member firm of Baker Tilly International, a global top 10 professional services network. At Baker Tilly, we care about you and the impact you make. That’s why we’re fully committed to your journey, wherever your ambitions take you. Our global team of local experts is here to help you unlock your growth potential. 

Experts Who Walk the Talk

At Baker Tilly Merali’s, we believe great outcomes come from great people. Our team is a diverse mix of highly qualified professionals—including CPAs, ACCAs, and regional tax experts—who bring a deep understanding of local business and international standards.

Madhav Bhandari

Managing Partner

Madhav oversees Baker Tilly Merali’s operations across Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Somalia, bringing extensive expertise in assurance, advisory, and forensic services. His leadership spans engagements with international clients, governments, and UN agencies, reflecting a deep understanding of complex, high-impact environments. Renowned for his strategic insight and clear communication, Madhav builds and leads expert teams to deliver effective solutions in areas such as devolution, government consulting, and debt restructuring. His commitment to excellence ensures sustained client success across a wide range of sectors.

Jimmy Merali

Partner

Jimmy Merali is a Partner at Baker Tilly Merali’s and serves as the Practice Manager for the firm’s Tax Department. With over 20 years of professional experience, he plays a key leadership role in driving the firm’s audit, advisory, and tax service offerings across East Africa. His expertise makes him a trusted advisor for clients seeking strategic, compliant, and results-driven financial solutions. Jimmy’s deep industry knowledge and commitment to service excellence support Baker Tilly Merali’s mission to deliver client-focused, high-quality professional services throughout the region.

Rishi Bhandari

Partner

Rishi Bhandari is a Partner at Baker Tilly Merali’s, serving under the Private Sector Department.  With extensive experience in financial audits, systems and internal controls, and asset verification, Rishi brings a wealth of technical expertise to his role. He plays a pivotal role in advancing the firm’s strategic initiatives and delivering tailored solutions that address the evolving needs of clients across diverse industries. Rishi is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional service. His work continues to strengthen Baker Tilly Merali’s reputation for excellence and client-focused delivery across the region.

John Mucheru
Partner, Public Sector

John Mucheru is a Partner in our Public Sector Practice, bringing extensive experience and advanced academic and professional credentials, including a PhD and CPA qualification. His work is centered on delivering high-quality audit and advisory services to government entities, donor agencies, and multilateral organizations. With a deep understanding of both local and international financial frameworks, John ensures precision, transparency, and compliance in every engagement. His technical expertise and strategic insights make him a key asset in supporting public sector clients in achieving accountability and value for money.

Abdirahman Daud
Partner

Abdirahman Daud is the Resident Partner at our Somalia office, leading our Audit and Advisory services across the region. With internationally recognized qualifications from ACCA  and CIPFA, Abdirahman brings deep technical expertise and a strong understanding of both local and international financial environments. He plays a key role in delivering high-quality audit, risk management, and consulting services to our clients in Somalia, ensuring compliance, transparency, and strategic value. His leadership continues to strengthen Baker Tilly Meralis’ presence and reputation as a trusted professional services firm in the Somali market.

Sachan Benawra
Director, Consulting

Sachan Benawra serves as the Director of Consulting at Baker Tilly Merali’s, where he leads the delivery of innovative and strategic advisory solutions across East Africa. With deep industry knowledge and a client-focused approach, Sachan specializes in tackling complex business challenges with practical, results-driven strategies. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding and strengthening the firm’s consulting practice, helping organizations across the region navigate change, improve performance, and achieve sustainable growth.

Daniel Mwangi
Director, Public Sector

Daniel Mwangi is a Director in the Public Sector at Baker Tilly Merali, specializing in delivering customized solutions for government agencies and multilateral organizations. With a strong focus on compliance and strategic advisory, Daniel supports public sector initiatives that drive transparency, accountability, and sustainable development. His expertise ensures that clients receive practical and effective guidance to navigate complex regulatory environments and achieve their organizational goals.

Gertrude Mirenja
Manager, Public Sector

Gertrude Mirenja is a Public Sector Manager at Baker Tilly Merali, specializing in supporting government and donor-funded projects. She brings strong expertise in audits and advisory services, helping to promote transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency. Gertrude’s commitment to delivering quality solutions ensures that public sector clients achieve their objectives with confidence and compliance.

Priya Chavda
Director, Private Sector

Priya Chavda is an Audit Director at Baker Tilly Merali, dedicated to delivering high-quality financial audits and compliance reviews. She provides clients across various sectors with reliable insights that support sound financial decision-making and regulatory adherence. Priya’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence help ensure transparency and trust in every engagement.

Esther Minyati
Manager, Audit

Esther Minyati is an Audit Manager at Baker Tilly Merali, dedicated to delivering high-quality financial audits and compliance reviews. She provides clients across various sectors with reliable insights that support sound financial decision-making and regulatory adherence. Esther’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence help ensure transparency and trust in every engagement.

Zachary Wathuu
Manager, Private Sector

Zachary Wathuu is a dedicated private sector manager specializing in audit and assurance, bringing expertise in financial oversight and compliance. Leading audit teams, he ensures accurate financial reporting and regulatory adherence for clients across various industries. With a commitment to excellence, Zachary plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality audit services, leveraging his deep knowledge of accounting standards and risk management

Jackson Nguta
Manager, Public Sector

Jackson Nguta, Public Sector Manager, focuses on delivering impactful solutions for government and donor-funded initiatives, ensuring compliance and efficiency.