Full Guide for Land Ownership Search in Kenya

The process of buying land in Kenya is definitely a critical one. Taking into account all the necessary procedures is something that cannot be overlooked. One of the most vital stages in the land acquisition process is the searching process. Once you have decided to purchase a certain piece of land, the next move is to know its exact location before making any monetary transaction. It is at this juncture that the land registry title number is deemed necessary. The land title has always been regarded as a primary land-searching tool, which in absence may not assist in seeking a specific location. The following is a Full Guide for Land Ownership Search in Kenya.

Procedure

Apply In-Person – Land Ownership Search in Kenya

1. Land Ownership Search can be done in person by visiting the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning headquarters or in any of their Land Offices in your Local district/ Sub County. Here you will be provided with an Application for Official Search Form RL 26 to fill and submit. This form can also be downloaded online from the Ministry of Lands Website.
2. You will also be required to pay a facilitation fee of Ksh 500 for the search.
3. You are to submit the duly filled application Form RL 26 and attach the required documents for the land search. This include;
   (a) Proof of land ownership (copy of title deed)
   (b) PIN certificate (copy)
   (c) Identity card (copy) for the applicant if Kenyan.
   (d) Foreign national registration certificate- alien card (copy) For foreigners who are residents in Kenya
   (e) Passport (copy) for the applicant if a non-citizen.
   (f) Proof of payment receipt
   (g) Duly filled Form RL 26
4. The land search at Lands office takes an average of 3 days.
5. After the search one is issued with a stamped Certificate of Official search Form RL 27 showing the status of the land.
   

Apply On-line – Land Ownership Search in Kenya

1. Land Ownership Search can also be done online through the E-Citizen Portal. Log onto your E-Citizen Portal or sign up if you don’t have an account.
2. Click on Ministry of Land, Housing & Urban Development icon and choose the land search option.
3. Enter the land title number and fill the online land search form and click the submit botton
4. Confirm the details are correct and proceed to pay using the available payment method which can be a debit card, credit card, M-Pesa, or bank transfers.
5. One is required to pay a fee of Ksh 500 for the search
6. Once the payment is confirmed, the applicant can proceed to print the results, and if you choose not to, the information will always be available on the portal anytime you log in.
7. The land Ownership results are available immediately.

Required Documents

1. Proof of land ownership (copy of title deed)
2. PIN certificate (copy)
3. Identity card (copy) for the applicant if Kenyan.
4. Foreign national registration certificate- alien card (copy) For foreigners who are residents in Kenya
5. Passport (copy) for the applicant if a non-citizen.
6. Proof of payment receipt.
7. Duly filled Form RL 26
   

Office Locations & Contacts

Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning,

Ardhi House
1ST Ngong Avenue
P.O. Box 30450,
Nairobi
00100
Tel: +254 202 718 050
Website: Ministry Of Lands Website

• E-Citizen Portal

Eligibility

• Citizens and Non- Citizens above 18 years of age or their representatives (agents or advocates) may make the land search.
  

Fees

• A fee of Ksh 500.00 is charged for the land search.
  

Validity

• The validity of the search is forever. However the land search loses its validity once the land is sold.
  

Documents to Use

• Application for Official Search Form RL 26

Processing Time

• In person application takes a period of three days, while online applications produce immediate results.

Instructions

• Visit the Ministry of Lands Offices or E-Citizen Online Platform to make the application.
• Fill in the required information and submit the required documents
• Make the required payment of Ksh.500
• Obtain a certificate of official Search Form R.L. 27
  

Required Information

1. Name of the Applicant/ Advocate
2. Identity card/ Passport number
3. PIN Number
4. Postal address
5. Telephone/ Cell phone number
6. Purpose of search
7. Owner of property
8. Proposed purchaser of property.
9. Advocate/Agent

Need for the Document

• The Land Search shows evidence of proof of ownership of land in Kenya.
• The land search also shows the type of tenure the land is under; if its freehold or leasehold.
  

Information which might help

Land ownership search ideally confirms that

• The person selling the land to you is the legal owner ( In case you want to buy the piece of land).
• The land has no encumbrances that may include a charge by the bank, a caveat restricting sale of the land amongst other issues.
  

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

• The document is a pre-requisite document used during transfer of property (land) through sale, gifting or inheritance.
  

External Links

• Land Portal