How to Check Land Ownership Online in Kenya

Step-by-step using parcel number, eCitizen, Ardhisasa, and manual registry options

Verifying land ownership is one of the most important steps in any property transaction. In Kenya, you can now check who owns a parcel of land using digital platforms like eCitizen and Ardhisasa—or through a manual search at the local Lands Registry if the land isn’t digitized yet.

This guide walks you through all three options.

Option 1: Using eCitizen (for most counties)

What You Need:

  • eCitizen account: www.ecitizen.go.ke
  • Title deed number or parcel number
  • KRA PIN
  • Scanned copy of the title deed (max 3.5MB)
  • KSh 500 for the search fee

Step-by-Step:

  1. Log in to eCitizen
    • Use your ID number and password
    • If new, create an account and verify via SMS
  2. Go to Ministry of Lands
    • Click “Get Service” under “Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning”
  3. Select ‘Land Search (RL27)’
    • Choose the correct land registry (e.g. Nairobi, Mombasa)
    • Enter the title deed number or parcel number
  4. Upload Supporting Documents
    • Upload a scanned copy of the title deed
    • Confirm parcel details and submit
  5. Pay the Search Fee
    • Pay KSh 500 via M-Pesa or card
    • You’ll receive a transaction ID via SMS
  6. Download the Results
    • Within 1–3 days, go to “Application History”
    • Download the Certificate of Official Search

Option 2: Using Ardhisasa (for digitized parcels)

Ardhisasa is Kenya’s official digital land registry platform, active in Nairobi, Kiambu, and select counties.

What You Need:

  • Ardhisasa account: ardhisasa.lands.go.ke
  • Parcel number or title deed number
  • KRA PIN and ID
  • KSh 500 for the search fee

Step-by-Step:

  1. Create or Log in to Ardhisasa
    • Register using your ID and phone number
    • Verify via SMS and set a password
  2. Initiate a Land Search
    • Select “Land Search” from the dashboard
    • Enter the parcel number or title deed number
    • Confirm location and registry
  3. Pay the Search Fee
    • Pay KSh 500 via M-Pesa or card
    • Wait for confirmation
  4. View and Download Results
    • Ardhisasa will display:
      • Owner’s name
      • Land size and location
      • Encumbrances (e.g. loans, caveats)
      • Lease/freehold status
    • Download the official search certificate

Option 3: Manual Search at the Lands Registry

If the land is not digitized:

  1. Visit the County Land Registry
  2. Fill out Form RL26 (land search request)
  3. Submit:
    • Copy of the title deed
    • Your ID and KRA PIN
  4. Pay KSh 500–1,000
  5. Wait 1–3 working days for the Certificate of Official Search

What the Search Certificate Shows

  • Registered owner’s full name
  • Parcel number and size
  • Encumbrances (charges, caveats, court orders)
  • Lease/freehold status
  • Registry and location

Final Tips for Safe Land Verification

  • Always compare the search results with the physical title deed
  • If names or parcel numbers don’t match, pause the transaction
  • For large purchases, involve a lawyer or licensed surveyor
  • Never pay for land before verifying ownership
  • Keep a copy of the Certificate of Official Search for your records

Final Word: Don’t Buy Land Blind—Verify It First

In 2025, checking land ownership in Kenya is fast, digital, and essential. Whether you’re buying land in Nairobi, Kisumu, or Kitale, take 10 minutes to confirm ownership and avoid costly mistakes.