TITLE DEEDS: THE TRUTH ABOUT LAND DOCUMENTS IN KENYA (PART 1)

TITLE DEEDS: THE TRUTH ABOUT LAND DOCUMENTS IN KENYA – (PART 1)

Every land owner is legally entitled to a document proving ownership of a plots for sale. The document contains the details of the property such as the full name of the owner, date of purchase, the size, etc.

We all know that document is The Title Deed, but Do you really know:

  1. What a Title Deed is according to the constitution?

  2. Where Legitimate Title Deeds are issued?

  3. How many Types of Title Deeds exist legally in Kenya?

  4. How to determine the previous owner of the Title Deed?

Most obviously this information is not known to new property buyers and as a result their land ownership journey encounters fraud issues.

Remember! You are termed as a legal land owner ONLY IF THE TITLE DEED ISSUED HAS YOUR NAME REGISTERED ON IT. Therefore it’s advisable to educate yourself on matters Title Deeds even before paying a penny for the property.

In this blog (Part 1) we shall dive deep in exposing THE REAL  TRUTH ABOUT TITLE DEEDS IN KENYA as per the Ministry of Lands, Kenya 2022.

In Part 2 of this blog series, you will learn:

  • How to legally acquire a Title Deed in Kenya.

  • How to determine Title Deed Legitimacy.

  • Title Deed Transfer process.

Meanwhile let’s get started…

What is a Title Deed is according to the constitution?

Information released by the Huduma Kenya Government site states that a Title Deed is the only proof of a property ownership in Kenya.

Where are Legitimate Title Deeds issued?

Title Deeds in Kenya are issued by The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development at the Ministry’s Regional Registries offices. Luckily for you, At AMCCO Properties we have streamlined the Title Deed issuance process for you whereby we liaise with the Kiambu County Registry team to process your Title Deed quick and fast. After its release we invite you to Our office to pick your Title Deed or safely parcel it to your location.

3 Types of Title Deeds legally exist in Kenya?

  1. Freehold Title Deed – This title deed gives the owner all the rights to the land property without restrictions either on use or the duration of years.

  2. Leasehold Title Deed – This title deed allows the ownership but use of the land is capped at a maximum of 99 years.

  3.  Sectional Title Deed – This is a new title deed that allows ownership to a single unit within a building such as an apartment/flat.

For this blog, we major matters property ownership thereby our focus lies on Freehold and Leasehold Title Deeds.

What are the major distinguishes between Freehold and Leasehold Title Deed(s)?


At this point you have the ideal knowledge that will influence the property you get to buy.
For new plots for sale buyers interested in land for residential/commercial purposes it is evident Freehold Land with Freehold Title Deeds favors your aspiration. This is where we chip in; we assist you in owning freehold land in Kikuyu (Nairobi Metropolis area) in just 90 days. But before the actual purchase, it is wise to ascertain the current legal owner of the plots for sale you are purchasing.

This process is known as Land Search. Typically, it has two steps each involving visiting specific government offices:

  • Search at the Lands Registry.

  • Search at the County Office

During the search, you will look out for the Seller’s Title Deed Registration at the registry offices plus also Any Unpaid Land Rates that should be deducted in your payment as a coverage. After confirmation that the land seller is the legitimate owner, you can now proceed on with your plot for sale acquisition process.

NOTE: We expound further about The Land Acquisition Process in this blog – HOW TO ACQUIRE LAND IN KENYA- (THE FULL PROCESS).

Now that you are enlightened about the basic information regarding Title Deeds, your next bit is Title Deed Acquisition.
It’s a crucial stage after making the property payment. It requires keenness following right processes to ensure you get the Title Deed you deserve.

As of now you might be asking yourself questions like:

  1. HOW DO I ACQUIRE A TITLE DEED IN KENYA?

  2. HOW TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN A FAKE AND LEGITIMATE TITLE DEED?

  3. WHAT IS FULL TITLE DEED TRANSFER PROCESS?

  4. HOW MUCH DOES THE TITLE DEED TRANSFER PROCESS COST?

These are exclusive questions we get to answer further in THE TRUTH ABOUT TITLE DEEDS IN KENYA PART 2.

If you have any questions matters Title Deeds or any of our Plots For Sale, do call us on 0701 293 199 or email us at customerservice@amcco.co.ke and we’ll gladly clarify the process from A-Z.