Quick Essentials:

Documents Every Transfer Needs:

·       Original Title Deed (Certificate of Title).

·       Official Land Search (ArdhiSasa/eCitizen).

·       Signed Sale Agreement (Agreement for Sale).

·       Transfer Forms (TP1/TP2 or prescribed forms).

·       KRA PIN certificates and National ID / Passport copies.

·       Stamp duty assessment and payment proof.

·       Rates / Land Rent Clearance Certificate.

·       Approved Survey Plan and surveyor’s report.

·       Land Control Board (LCB) consent (if applicable).

·       Valuation report for stamp duty assessment.

Step-by-Step Workflow — From Offer to Registration

1.     1. Preliminary checks & inspection.

2.     2. Official Title Search (ArdhiSasa/eCitizen or local registry).

3.     3. Due diligence & professional checks (advocate, surveyor).

4.     4. Draft and sign Agreement for Sale.

5.     5. Stamp duty assessment & payment (KRA iTax/ArdhiSasa).

6.     6. Prepare transfer documents & collect clearances.

7.     7. Submission & registration at Lands Registry.

8.     8. Post-registration steps (new title, mortgage updates).

Nairobi County — Specifics & Checklist

·       Rates Clearance Certificate from Nairobi County.

·       Copy of approved building plans and utility receipts (if developed).

·       CR12 and Board Resolution if seller is a company.

·       Evidence of payment of city rates.

Mombasa County — Specifics & Checklist

·       Rates Clearance Certificate from Mombasa County.

·       Coastal zone and land-use consents (if applicable).

·       Approved Survey Plan and LCB consent if required.

All Other Counties — General Checklist

General approach:
• Use ArdhiSasa/eCitizen for land search and county rates.
• Obtain County Rates Clearance certificate.
• Confirm local county requirements.
• Verify if LCB consent applies (especially agricultural land).

Due Diligence Checklist — Printable

·       Title number and owner names match ID & PIN.

·       Official land search obtained (date).

·       Any caveats/charges found (details).

·       Rates clearance obtained (county/date).

·       Survey plan checked and verified.

·       LCB consent (if agricultural).

·       Valuation report for stamp duty attached.

·       Sale Agreement signed and witnessed.

·       Stamp duty payment receipt attached.

·       Transfer forms prepared and stamped.

·       Registration receipt / new title issued.

Practical Tips & Fraud Red Flags

·       Practical Tips:

·       Always insist on an official title search.

·       Use an independent surveyor for boundary confirmation.

·       Use a reputable advocate for conveyancing.

·       Keep copies of all documents and payments.

·       Fraud Red Flags:

·       Seller unable to produce original title deed.

·       Discrepancies in names/IDs.

·       Unregistered agents insisting on cash deals.

·       Mismatched title numbers or unofficial searches.

References & Further Reading

·       Transfer of Interest in Land — ArdhiSasa / Ministry of Lands.

·       Land Registration Act, 2012.

·       Kenya Revenue Authority — Stamp Duty guidance.

·       eProcedures / InvestKenya — County services index.