Understanding Title Transfer in Kenya

Transferring a land or property title in Kenya isn’t just some paperwork shuffle—it’s how you avoid random strangers (or nosy relatives) popping up claiming your plot. Here’s what’s up and how not to mess it up.

What’s a Title Transfer?

• The title deed is your official proof of ownership.

• Transferring it means you’re handing over those rights for real.

• The Ministry of Lands & county land registry run the show—so, yeah, bureaucracy alert.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer a Title in Kenya

1. Get the Paperwork Sorted

• Buying? You’ll need a sale agreement.

• Gift or inheritance? Get a consent letter.

• Both parties sign; an advocate should draft or witness—keeps things above board.

2. Do a Land Search

• Check the Ministry of Lands or hop onto eCitizen (if you’re not a fan of queues).

• Make sure:

  • Seller really owns the land (no catfishing).

  • No loans, disputes, or legal mess lurking.

3. Land Control Board (LCB) Consent (For Agricultural Land)

• Both buyer and seller must show up at the LCB in the land’s area.

• No LCB consent? Deal = dead.

• In a rush? Pay extra for “special” LCB meetings.

4. Get the Land Valued

• Only government valuers count, not your uncle’s guess.

• Ministry of Lands Valuation Department does the math.

• They decide how much stamp duty you’ll cough up.

5. Pay Stamp Duty

• Urban land: 4% of the value.

• Rural land: 2% of the value.

• Pay Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Don’t even think about skipping this.

6. Put Together All the Docs

• Here’s your checklist:

  • Original title deed

  • Filled transfer forms (LTR1 or LTR2)

  • LCB consent (if needed)

  • KRA PINs (both sides)

  • IDs and passport photos

  • Sale agreement copy

  • Valuation report

  • Stamp duty receipt

7. Lodge & Register Everything

• Hand in the whole pile at the land registry.

• They’ll verify, register, and—if everything’s legit—issue a new title deed.

8. Collect Your New Title Deed

• Registry calls or posts a notice.

• Go pick up your updated title.

• Old title: canceled. You: official new owner.

Special Cases

• Inheritance: Need probate or court-issued letters of administration.

• Gifts: Even if it’s from family, stamp duty and LCB consent might still be a thing.

• Divorce: Court or family agreements dictate who gets what.

Pro Tips (So You Don’t Get Burned)

• Always use a legit, licensed land advocate.

• Don’t fall for “shortcuts” or shady middlemen.

• Settle all land rates, rent, and taxes before the transfer.

• Paperwork matters—don’t leave gaps, or you’ll regret it.

Bottom Line

The process? Yeah, it’s a bit of a hassle, and government offices are… well, government offices. But if you follow the steps, keep your paperwork tight, and avoid sketchy deals, you’ll be just fine.

Still lost or need help? Drop your question below or reach out. We’ve probably seen it all—and then some.