Thinking about buying land in Kenya? Whether you’re based in Nairobi or the USA, one thing is certain: before you sign any land agreement, you must conduct a land search. It’s your first line of defense against fraud, hidden disputes, or buying land from someone who doesn’t legally own it.
The good news? It’s easier than ever to do, thanks to online platforms like Ardhisasa and eCitizen. Even if you’re abroad, you can complete the entire process from the comfort of your home.
At AMG Realtors, we’ve helped thousands of Kenyans, both locally and in the diaspora, navigate the land buying process with confidence and peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do a land search in Kenya, both online and in person.
What is a Land Search?
A land search is a process that helps you confirm the legal ownership and status of a property. A land search lets you:
Confirm ownership of the land
Check for liens, loans, legal disputes, caveats, or unpaid rates and taxes
Verify the location, size, boundaries, and zoning
Discover the ownership history and previous transfers
Without a land search, you risk falling victim to fraud, boundary conflicts, or even government repossession.
Read our article on Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Land in Kenya.
What You'll Need for Your Land Search
Before starting, make sure you have the following:
Title deed number (parcel or land reference number)
Copy of seller’s ID and KRA PIN certificate
Your National ID or passport
Scanned copy of the title deed (for online search)
Ksh. 500 search fee (payable via M-PESA or card)
How to Conduct a Land Search Online
You can conduct an online land search via Ardhisasa or eCitizen. Your choice of platform depends on the specific county in Kenya where the land is located.
How to Do an Online Land Search via Ardhisasa
Ardhisasa is the government’s modern digital platform for land-related services, ideal for Kenyans in the diaspora. It currently allows land search in Nairobi and Murang'a Counties.
Steps:
Visit the Ardhisasa Portal and create an account.
Log in and navigate to the “Ministry of Land and Physical Planning” section.
Select the “Land Search” option.
Enter the parcel number or title deed number.
Pay Ksh. 500 via M-PESA, credit, or debit card.
Download your results directly from the portal.
How to Do an Online Land Search via eCitizen
Use this platform if the land is located in counties that are not yet integrated into Ardhisasa.
Steps:
Log in or sign up on the eCitizen portal.
Navigate to the "Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning" section.
Select the "land search" and fill in the land’s title number.
Pay the KSh. 500 fee.
Download your results (usually available within 24 hours).
How to Do a Manual Land Search (In-Person)
The method is still available for older land records or in counties with limited digital access.
Steps:
Visit the local land registry where the land is located.
Carry physical copies of:
The title deed
The Seller's KRA PIN certificate and ID.
Your ID or passport
Request and fill in the official Land Search Form (Form RL 26) and attach copies of the land title, National ID, and KRA Pin.
Submit the form and pay the required fee (approximately KSh. 500). Always get a receipt as proof of payment.
Collect your search results within 1–3 working days or the specified period.
A land search is a small step that makes a huge difference in protecting your investment. Whether you use Ardhisasa, eCitizen, or visit a local registry in person, don’t skip it.
Ready to Buy Land in Kenya? Let’s Get You Started.
At AMG Realtors, we make this process even easier. All our properties are registered under our name, so you’re not chasing down third-party sellers or dealing with ownership confusion. With thousands of successful transactions and unmatched local expertise, we’re your trusted partner for safe, stress-free land investment in Kenya.