Discover the Steps Involved in Title Acquisition in Kenya-you need to know.
The process of title acquisition in Kenya involves a series of legal and administrative steps that grant an individual or entity legal ownership of land or property. This process is governed by various laws and regulations, primarily the Land Registration Act, the Land Act, and the Constitution of Kenya. Here’s an overview of the key steps involved in acquiring a land title in Kenya:
- Land Identification: The first step in acquiring a title is identifying the specific parcel of land you wish to acquire. You may do this by working with a real estate agent, contacting the relevant government authority, or engaging in direct negotiations with the landowner.
- Land Search: Before proceeding further, it is advisable to conduct a land search at the Ministry of Lands or an authorized registry to confirm the land’s ownership status, any existing encumbrances (such as mortgages or leases), and to check for any disputes or legal issues related to the land.
- Land Survey: Once you are satisfied with the search results, you must hire a licensed land surveyor to demarcate and survey the land. A survey plan is prepared, and this plan is then submitted to the Survey of Kenya for approval.
- Valuation and Land Rates Payment: The land will be valued by the government’s land valuer to determine its market value. You will also be required to pay land rates to the relevant county government, which are based on the land’s value.
- Land Purchase Agreement: If you are purchasing the land, you will need to enter into a sale agreement with the seller. This agreement should outline the terms and conditions of the sale, including the purchase price and any other relevant terms.
- Stamp Duty Payment: You must pay stamp duty on the land transfer, and this payment is made to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
- Application for Title Deed: With all necessary documents in place, including the survey plan, valuation report, and evidence of land rates payment, you can then apply for a title deed at the Ministry of Lands. The application form should be accompanied by all required documents and the appropriate fees.
- Land Control Board Approval: In some cases, especially for agricultural land, you may need to seek approval from the local Land Control Board before the title deed can be issued.
- Title Processing: The Ministry of Lands will process your application, and if everything is in order, they will issue a title deed in your name. This process may take some time due to bureaucratic procedures and workload.
- Title Issuance: Once the title deed is ready, you can collect it from the Ministry of Lands, or it may be sent to you through the postal service.
- Title Registration: It is essential to ensure that the title deed is registered with the relevant land registry. This registration helps protect your ownership rights and facilitates future transactions.
- Title Transfer: If you decide to sell the land in the future, the title deed can be transferred to the new owner through a similar process.
It’s crucial to engage the services of legal experts, surveyors, and real estate professionals to navigate this process successfully. Additionally, ensure that all payments and transactions are made through legal channels to avoid any legal complications. The process of title acquisition in Kenya can be complex and may vary depending on the type of land and location, so seeking professional guidance is highly recommended. AFFORDABLE 1/8 ACRE PLOTS AND LARGER IN RUIRU EAST-MWALIMU FARM, kamakis area.