How to Check Title Deed Online in Kenya?
How to Check Title Deed Online in Kenya?
A title deed is an important legal document that proves ownership and rights over a piece of land in Kenya. With increasing cases of land fraud, it is crucial for land buyers to verify the authenticity of title deeds before purchasing property.
The process of checking title deeds online has been made easier in recent years through government digitization initiatives.
the process of verifying land ownership has been simplified in Kenya. The government has digitized land records, allowing potential buyers to conduct a land search online from the comfort of their homes.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to check a title deed online in Kenya.
Importance of Checking Title Deeds
There are several reasons why you should check title deeds before buying land in Kenya:
- Confirm legitimate ownership – The title deed indicates the rightful owner of the land. This prevents purchase from fraudulent sellers.
- Detect encumbrances – The search reveals any cautions, charges or encumbrances on the land like loans. This informs your decision to buy.
- Establish land size – The title deed indicates size of land. This helps determine accurate value.
- Avoid legal disputes – Establishing ownership avoids future conflicts, evictions and legal battles over the land.
- Identify restrictions – The search highlights any restrictions like zoning regulations or easements.
Requirements for Online Title Deed Search
To check title deeds online via the eCitizen portal, you will need:
- Copy of land title deed – Obtain from seller to facilitate search
- KRA PIN certificate – Required to access government services
- National ID/Passport – For identification and login
- Internet connection – Needed to access eCitizen portal
- Scanning device – To scan title deed into PDF for upload
- E-Citizen account – Create one if you don’t have an account
Steps to Check Title Deeds Online
Follow these steps to check title deeds online using the eCitizen portal:
Step 1: Create an eCitizen Account
The first step is to create an account on the eCitizen platform, a government portal that provides access to various services, including land searches
To create an account, you will need to provide your details and create a password.
Step 2: Navigate to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning
Once you have an eCitizen account, log in and navigate to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning tab. Here, you will find the option to conduct a land search
Step 3: Input the Title Number
The next step is to input the title number of the land you are interested in 4. This number is usually provided by the seller or can be found on the copy of the title deed. After inputting the title number, complete the online land search form.
Step 4: Submit the Form
After confirming that all the details are correct, submit the form. The search results will reveal the full names of the owners, the approximate size of the land, and any claims on the land.
For instance, it may reveal if the land has been used as collateral for a bank loan or as surety in a legal dispute.
Submit the form and proceed to make Ksh. 500 payment via M-Pesa. Wait for the search results which can take 1-3 days
Step 5: Review the Results
Login to eCitizen account to download and print the search certificate. Review the search results to confirm ownership and any encumbrances.
Review the results of the land search to confirm the land clearance status. The results should tally with what is on the Certificate of Official Search. If they don’t, it is advisable not to proceed with the land-buying process to avoid potential fraud
Step 6: Post-Purchase Search
After purchasing the land and completing the necessary legal processes, it is advisable to conduct another search to confirm that the land is now registered under your name. This post-purchase search can be done a few weeks after the completion of the purchase
Costs
The process of conducting an online land search in Kenya costs Ksh. 500. It is important to note that this cost is subject to change and it is advisable to confirm the current charges from the relevant authorities.
Understanding the Search Results
The land search certificate or Form RL 27 indicates important details like:
- Land ownership history – Names of previous and current land owners
- Parcel number – Unique number identifying the land
- Location – County, sub-county, ward where land is located
- Size – Total acreage according to official records
- Encumbrances – Any cautions, restrictions, loans, interests on the land
- Land rent – Pending land rent payments if any
- Land rates – Pending land rates payments if any
Protecting Yourself from Fraud
To avoid falling victim to illegal land transactions:
- Insist on a title deed search before payment
- Visit land site to verify size and boundaries
- Engage a lawyer to review sale agreements
- Pay only after all checks are done
- Report suspicious transactions to authorities
Conclusion
Conducting an online land search in Kenya is a crucial step in the land acquisition process. It helps establish the rightful owner of the property and reveals any pending issues related to the ownership of the land.
Checking title deeds online using the eCitizen portal is a straightforward process that helps protect land buyers from fraudulent sales.
Ensure you have the requirements, follow the steps, and review the search results carefully before purchasing land. This simple but important process could save you a lot of trouble in the future.
By following the steps outlined above, you can easily check a title deed online in Kenya, ensuring that your investment is secure.