Before You Pay a Deposit: Due Diligence on Any Kenyan Property

Start with an official search

A current official search at the Lands Registry via Ardhisasa confirms the registered proprietor and reveals charges, caveats, or cautions. A seller's own copy proves nothing about what else is registered.

Match the title to the ground

Engage a licensed surveyor to verify boundaries and acreage against Survey of Kenya records — "the seller showed me a bigger plot" disputes are common enough to be worth the modest cost.

Confirm rates and rent, and zoning

Demand current rates clearance (and rent clearance where applicable) — outstanding amounts attach to the property. Verify with the county that zoning actually permits your intended use before committing.

Understand tenure

Freehold is indefinite; leasehold runs a fixed term. For agricultural land, any sale requires prior Land Control Board consent — proceeding without it renders the transaction void, not delayed.

Practical safeguards

• Talk to the neighbours — they surface what documents don't
• Insist on a written, signed, witnessed sale agreement
• Never pay in cash — use traceable bank or mobile money transfers
• Check spousal consent requirements before assuming a single registered name means a single decision-maker

This article is general information, not legal advice, and reflects the law as it currently stands. Rates, fees, and procedures are subject to change.