KENYA‍ ‍

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Resources on real estate investing in Kenya .

Related media:

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.

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.     Preliminary checks & inspection.

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

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

  • 4.     Draft and sign Agreement for Sale.

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

  • 6.     Prepare transfer documents & collect clearances.

  • 7.     Submission & registration at Lands Registry.

  • 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.

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