How to Do a Land Search on eCitizen in 2026 — A Guide from Letash World Real Estate
- LETASH WORLD REAL ESTATE
- Dec 1
- 6 min read
Before you hand over any money for land, don’t skip this step. A land search ensures you know exactly who owns the property, whether the title is clean, and if there are any encumbrances, cautions or disputes tied to the plot. At Letash World Real Estate, we encourage every buyer to do their homework first.
🔎 What Is a Land Search
A land search is an official check of land ownership via government records. It gives you:
The registered owner — confirming the seller truly owns the land
The title number and parcel size
Any encumbrances such as bank charges or mortgages
Any cautions, encumbrances or disputes that could block transfer. transferThe result is a “Certificate of Official Search,” which your lawyer, bank, or SACCO needs for due diligence.
eCitizen vs. Ardhisasa: Which System Applies in 2026
Depending on where the property lies, you may need to use different systems:
Ardhisasa: Used where land records have been fully digitized (mainly Nairobi & selected regions). Searches here are often nearly instant after payment.
eCitizen: Used for properties in registries not yet fully digitized, where online legacy-system searches still apply. There’s also a facilitation fee involved.
Before you start, check with the Ministry of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing & Urban Development to know which system covers your area.
What You Need Before Starting
For eCitizen (online) search:
An active eCitizen account linked to your Kenyan ID
Correct title number or parcel number
A clear scanned copy of the title deed
Payment method (M-Pesa or card)
For physical registry (where relevant):
Kenyan ID of the applicant
Correct title number/parcel number
Details of the registry and section
Cash to pay the required fees (as per registry guidelines)
Step-by-Step: eCitizen Land Search (2026)
Log into eCitizen (ecitizen.go.ke) with your ID and password.
Navigate to: “Ministry of Lands, Physical Planning & Housing” → “State Department for Lands and Physical Planning.”
Select “Search Land Ownership Records (RL27).”
Fill in the property details exactly as they appear on the title deed — double-check typos.
Upload a clear scanned copy of the title deed.
Submit and wait for processing (in many cases within 24 hours).
When notified, proceed to pay the required fee via M-Pesa or card.
Once payment confirms, download the Certificate of Official Search (PDF).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistyping the title number — even small errors will lead to no results or wrong results.
Skipping a physical site visit — online search won't show boundary disputes, physical encroachment or on-ground issues.
Forgetting to verify the seller (especially if it’s a company) — do a separate company search (CR12) using eCitizen.
Relying solely on search results — always combine with site visits and legal review before transferring any funds or signing agreements.
⚠️ Red Flags That Should Stop You Immediately
If your search reveals any of the following, pause the deal and consult a lawyer:
Owner name doesn’t match the seller
Existing bank charge (mortgage or loan) on the property
Court orders or ongoing disputes over the land
Caution or restriction notices against the title
Why Many Buyers Prefer Letash World Real Estate to Handle It
At Letash World Real Estate, we understand that doing a thorough land search and due diligence is tedious and requires intimate knowledge of land law. That’s why we offer a full-service experience — from verified ownership due diligence, to site visits, and ensuring clean title deeds before listing.
If you want expert help to avoid the stress, save time, and reduce risk — reach out to us:
Contact Letash World Real Estate
Office: Spur Mall, Thika Road — 3rd floor, Room T15 letashrealestate.co.ke+1
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How to Do a Land Search on eCitizen in 2026 (Kenya): The Only Guide You Actually Need — by Letash World Real Estate
If you're thinking of buying land in Kenya in 2026 and you haven’t done a land search yet, you’re already playing a risky game. A land search is the only official way to confirm whether the person selling that plot is legit — or about to hand you the biggest headache of your life.
This guide breaks down exactly how to run a proper land search on eCitizen, when Ardhisasa comes in, and how to avoid the mistakes that trap most first-time buyers.
Why a Land Search Matters (More Than Ever in 2026)
Kenya’s land market is hot — and full of fraudsters who bet on buyers skipping verification. A land search gives you verifiable details from the government’s records, including:
True owner of the land
Title number & official parcel details
Encumbrances (loans, charges, pending issues)
Cautions/restrictions blocking transfer
This is the document every lawyer, bank, SACCO and cooperative uses before approving anything.
Skipping it is simply disrespecting your own money.
eCitizen vs Ardhisasa in 2026 — Which One Should You Use?
Don’t get it twisted — the two systems aren’t interchangeable.
Ardhisasa (Primary for Digitised Regions)
Mostly used for Nairobi and fully digitized counties
Searches are faster and more structured
Best for parcels already migrated to the new digital registry
eCitizen (Legacy System Still Running in Several Areas)
Used for regions still undergoing data migration
Requires manual entry + document upload
Includes an additional facilitation fee
Bottom line: The system you use depends strictly on where the land is located. Always confirm with the Ministry of Lands or your agent which system handles your specific title.
Requirements for an eCitizen Land Search (2026)
To pull off a successful online land search, you’ll need:
A verified eCitizen account
The correct title number/parcel number
A clear scanned copy of the title deed
KSh 1,000 for the land search fee
KSh 50 facilitation fee
A stable internet connection (don’t laugh — it matters)
Step-by-Step: How to Do a Land Search on eCitizen in 2026
1. Log into eCitizen
Go to ecitizen.go.ke and sign in using your ID and password.
2. Open the Lands Services Portal
Select: Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing & Urban Development
3. Choose “Search Land Ownership Records (RL27)”
This is the official tool for retrieving property ownership.
4. Enter the Title Details
Input the title number exactly as written.One wrong digit = wrong search, wrong results, wasted money.
5. Upload the Title Deed Scan
Make sure it’s readable. Blurry images delay approval.
6. Submit & Wait for Review
Processing usually takes around 24 hours, depending on traffic.
7. Pay the Search Fee
Once your request is approved, pay the KSh 1,000 + 50 via M-Pesa or card.
8. Download the Certificate of Official Search
You’ll get a PDF document — save both the digital and printed versions.
Major Mistakes People Still Make in 2026
Let me be blunt — these are the mistakes that come back to haunt buyers:
Using the wrong title number and blaming the system
Doing a search but skipping a site visit
Trusting the seller’s confidence instead of verifying ownership
Not running a company search (CR12) when the seller is a business
Assuming the search alone is enough (it’s not)
If your money matters, stop being casual about verification.
Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
Walk away if your search shows:
Owner name doesn’t match the seller
Bank charges or loans tied to the land
Court disputes or pending legal issues
Cautions placed by third parties
Inconsistencies between deed and registry records
Buying land with hidden issues isn’t an investment — it’s self-sabotage.
Why Smart Buyers in 2026 Choose Letash World Real Estate
Here’s the truth most agents won’t tell you:Running a land search is just the tip of the due-diligence iceberg. Real estate fraud has evolved, and so have the ways people get tricked.
At Letash World Real Estate, every property we list has already passed through a strict vetting process:
Verified ownership from official land registries
Title authenticity checks
Ardhisasa & eCitizen confirmation where applicable
No encumbrances, no disputes, no hidden issues
Smooth title processing with clear timelines
When you buy from Letash, you’re not gambling. You’re choosing land that’s been screened professionally, not casually.
Talk to Letash World Real Estate
If you want land you can actually trust — not hope for — reach out:
📍 Office: Spur Mall, Thika Road — 3rd Floor, Room T15📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +254 740 525 058📧 Email: info@letashrealestate.co.ke🌐 Website: www.letashrealestate.co.ke
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