Buying land in Kenya: a due-diligence checklist

Buying land is one of the biggest decisions you'll make — and in Kenya, a little due diligence up front saves a great deal of heartache later. Here's the checklist our advisory team runs before we recommend any plot to a client.

1. Confirm the title is genuine

Run an official land search at the registry (or on eCitizen) using the title number. It reveals the registered owner, the size, and any caveats or charges against the land.

What the search should match

• The seller's name and ID match the title
• The parcel size matches what you were shown
• There are no undisclosed loans or caveats
• Land rates and rent are paid up to date

2. Verify the boundaries on the ground

Engage a licensed surveyor to confirm the beacons match the registry map. Boundary mix-ups are the most common source of land disputes — and the easiest to avoid before you pay.

“Buy the title, not the view. A beautiful plot with a clouded title is a liability, not an asset.”

3. Check zoning and intended use

Confirm with the county that the land is zoned for what you intend — residential, commercial, or agricultural — and ask about any building-line or density rules that affect what you can put up.