BUYING GENUINE LAND IN KENYA by JAMES PLOTI

 HOW TO BUY GENUINE LAND IN KENYA — BY JAMES PLOTI


A Practical, No‑Nonsense Guide for Every Smart Investor Buying land in Kenya is one of the most empowering decisions you can make — but only if you do it right. The truth is simple: genuine land exists, but so do fraudsters, shortcuts, and costly mistakes. A wise investor follows a clear, legal, and verifiable process. Below is a refined, step‑by‑step guide based on Kenya’s current land laws and best practices, supported by credible sources.

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🟦 1. Identify the Land & Confirm Its Zoning Before anything else, visit the land physically. - Ask for a copy of the title deed. - Confirm zoning at the County Physical Planning Office (residential, commercial, agricultural, etc.). - Check if the parcel is digitized on Ardhisasa and linked to the seller. Why it matters: Zoning determines what you can build, how high, and whether subdivision is allowed. --- 🟦 2. Conduct an Official Title Search Go to the Ministry of Lands (or Ardhisasa) and run a search using the title number. This reveals: - The true owner - Any encumbrances (loans, caveats, disputes) Never skip this step. It is your first legal shield. --- 🟦 3. Do a Professional Site Visit With a Surveyor A registered surveyor should: - Confirm the beacons - Verify the land’s actual size - Match the ground map with the Registry Index Map (RIM) Why: Many disputes arise from fake or shifted beacons. --- 🟦 4. Land Valuation Hire a licensed valuer to determine the true market value based on: - Location - Accessibility - Development potential This protects you from overpricing and helps with bank financing if needed. --- 🟦 5. Draft & Sign a Sale Agreement Prepared by a lawyer. The agreement should clearly state: - Purchase price - Payment terms - Completion period - Obligations of both parties A deposit (often 10%) is paid at this stage. --- 🟦 6. Conduct Due Diligence on the Seller Confirm that the seller is: - The legitimate owner - Mentally and legally capable of selling - Not under any court restrictions For companies, verify CR12 and board resolutions. --- 🟦 7. Transfer of Ownership Your lawyer lodges transfer documents at the Ministry of Lands. You will pay: - Stamp duty (at a a%) - Registration fees Once approved, the title is issued in your name. --- 🟦 8. Post‑Purchase Steps - Fence the land - Place beacons - Keep copies of all documents - If buying for development, apply for approvals This protects your investment from encroachment. --- THE GOLDEN RULE If a seller discourages due diligence, walk away. Genuine land survives scrutiny. --- CONCLUSION Buying land in Kenya is not complicated — it is procedural. Follow the law, involve professionals, and never rush. As James Ploti, I always remind investors: “Land is not just bought with money — it is bought with wisdom.” By: James Ploti
Tel: +254708459336

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