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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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THE GOLDEN RULE
If a seller discourages due diligence, walk away. Genuine land survives scrutiny.
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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 PlotiTel: +254708459336
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