How to Do a Land Search Online in Kenya

When buying land in Kenya, performing a land search stands as a foundational step, offering invaluable insights into the property’s history, status, and ownership.

Whether you are a prospective buyer, seller, or investor, understanding the land search process is essential for informed decision-making.

Here is a comprehensive guide on conducting a land search, encompassing both online and offline methods, tailored to address all your queries and concerns.

Online land search process

1. Create an account on the Ardhisasa platform. This grants you access to various land-related services offered by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.
2. Navigate to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning section. Here, you will find a range of services tailored to facilitate land transactions.
3. Enter the title number associated with the land parcel you are searching for. This number serves as the primary identifier in the search process.
4. Fill out the online land search form. Ensure all information is accurate and matches the title deed.
5. Submit the form through the online portal. This triggers the processing of your request by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.
6. Payment: A nominal fee of around Sh500 is required for the land search. Choose your payment method from the available options.
7. Access results: You can print the results for your records. This information will be stored in your e-Citizen account for easy retrieval.

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Offline land search process

1. Title number: For those opting for offline methods, the title deed number remains a prerequisite for initiating the search process.
2. Visit the land registry or county land office to start the search process. These offices are the primary points of contact for land-related transactions.
3. Form submission: Request the necessary land search forms from the personnel. Fill in the forms with the title number and your contact details.
4. Processing time: Wait a few days for the search results to be processed. The exact duration varies depending on the workload and office efficiency.
5. Result collection: Once the search results are ready, you will be notified to collect them in person. Visit the office to retrieve and review the documents.

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Details of land search

• Ownership history: Gain insights into the historical ownership of the land, including previous and current owners. This helps in understanding the property’s history and legal implications.
• Property location: Verify the precise location of the land through detailed plot registration details. Accurate geographical information is crucial for assessing the property’s suitability and value.
• Clearance status: Check the clearance status of the property to ensure it is free from any encumbrances, liens, or legal disputes. This minimises the risk of future complications and facilitates smooth transactions.

RELATED: Title Deed Transfer Process in Kenya

FAQs

What does Ardhisasa do?

Ardhisasa offers a range of services including land searches, transfers, cautions, charges, leases, replacement of converted titles, and rectification of land records.

How to check my title deed online in Kenya?

Steps to check title deed online:

• Create an account in the e-Citizen portal.
• From the e-Citizen dashboard, select the ‘Ministry of Lands’ option.
• Click on ‘Land Search’ within the Ministry of Land portal.
• Enter the land title number found on the land title deed.
• Complete the online land search form.
• Click “Next” to view the land search results.

The land search results will include:

• Ownership history
• Current owner’s full name
• Land size
• Any claims on the land (e.g., legal disputes or bank loan collateral)

Select “Print Results” to obtain physical copies of the land search results.

The search results will be saved in your e-Citizen account for future reference.

How do I register land on Ardhisasa?

When logged in to your Ardhisasa portal, you can check your ongoing applications, completed parcel registrations, and paid and unpaid invoices.

Steps to register land on Ardhisasa:

• Pick the property tenure.
• Provide property ownership details.
• Select the ownership rights of the proprietor.
• Choose the property type and upload the title deed or lease certificate in PDF, PNG, or JPEG format.
• If available, you can upload land rent payment receipts or any proof of payments.
• Upload parcel or proprietor documents.
• Confirm the details.

How to pay for a land search online?

A nominal fee, typically around Sh500, is required to proceed with the land search.

Choose your preferred payment method from the available options, including M-Pesa, credit card, or debit card.

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