Guide on How To Do A Land Search in Kenya

Conducting a land search is an essential step in the land-buying process in Kenya. It helps prevent fraud by providing detailed information about the land, including ownership history, location, clearance status, size, and any claims on the land. Below is a guide on the different methods available for performing a land search in Kenya: online through the Ardhisasa platform or manually at the Lands Office.

Why a Land Search is Important

A land search reveals critical information, such as:

• Ownership history of the land
• Land location
• Land clearance status (to check if any taxes or rates are pending)
• Land size and boundaries
• Any claims or disputes associated with the land

Methods for Land Search in Kenya

There are two primary methods for conducting a land search in Kenya:

1. Online Land Search (recommended)
2. Manual Land Search

How To Do a Land Search Online

The online search is conducted via the Ardhisasa platform. This platform, developed by the Ministry of Land & Physical Planning and the National Lands Commission, allows users to access and interact with land information digitally.

Steps for Online Land Search on Ardhisasa

1. Log in to Ardhisasa:
   • Visit Ardhisasa.
   • If you don’t have an account, create one first.
2. Access Services:
   • On the dashboard, click on Services on the left-hand side.
3. Land Registration Search:
   • Select Land Registration and then click on Search.
4. New Application:
   • Click on New Application to initiate a new search.
5. Enter Search Details:
   • Input the title number of the land you wish to search.
6. Specify the Purpose of Search:
   • State the reason for the land search (e.g., verification for purchase).
7. Select Scope of Search:
   • Choose the type of information you need:
     • Property details
     • Current register entries
     • Document register or power of attorney register
8. Proceed and Confirm:
   • Click Next, confirm your details, and submit the application.
9. Get Search Results:
   • The results will be posted on the Ardhisasa portal once the process is complete.

Note: The landowner must be registered on Ardhisasa, and their property details should be available under the My Property section. The landowner will need to verify and authorize the system to release the search results.

How To Do a Land Search in Kenya Manually

For those who prefer the traditional approach, a manual land search can be conducted at a nearby Lands Office.

Steps for Manual Land Search

1. Visit the Lands Office:
   • Go to the nearest sub-county or county Lands Office.
2. Obtain the Search Form:
   • Request Form RL 26 (Land Search Form) and fill in the necessary details.
3. Attach Required Documents:
   • Include a copy of the land title, KRA PIN, and a copy of your ID.
4. Make Payment:
   • Pay the search fee of Ksh 500.
5. Receive Results:
   • After a few hours, you’ll receive a confirmation message with the land search results.

Summary

Conducting a land search is straightforward, with the Ardhisasa platform offering a more efficient, paperless option compared to the manual method. The cost is Ksh 500 for both methods, and the search results provide peace of mind by ensuring the property’s legitimacy before proceeding with a purchase.