How to Replace a Lost Title Deed in Kenya #1Step-by-Step Guide

 

How to Replace a Lost Title Deed in Kenya #1Step-by-Step Guide

Losing your title deed can be stressful, but don't panic! You can replace it through a legal process involving a police report, affidavit, public notice, and application at the Lands Registry. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process and protect your land ownership.

Key Takeaways

✅ Report the loss to the police and get a police abstract.
✅ Verify ownership by conducting an official land search.
✅ Swear an affidavit explaining how the title deed was lost.
✅ Apply for a replacement at the Lands Registry and publish a notice in the Kenya Gazette.
✅ Wait 60 days for objections before receiving a new title deed.
✅ Estimated cost: Ksh 10,000–25,000.
✅ Total processing time: 3–4 months.

💡 Tip:. The prices provided in this article are for general guidance and may vary. Please always confirm the latest fees with the relevant land registry before making any financial decisions.

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What is a Title Deed and Why is it Important?

A title deed is an official document that proves land ownership in Kenya. It contains crucial details such as:

  • Landowner’s name

  • Parcel number and size

  • Boundaries and registration details

Why is a Title Deed Important?

Losing your title deed can lead to:

  •  Ownership disputes

  •  Fraudulent land transactions

  •  Difficulties in selling or transferring property

Since land disputes are common in Kenya, having a valid title deed is essential for legal protection and peace of mind.

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Lost Your Title Deed in Kenya? Here’s What to Do Next-Immediate Steps

1. Verify That the Title Deed is Truly Lost

Before initiating the replacement process:
 ✔️ Check all possible storage places (home, bank, law firm).
 ✔️ Confirm with family members or your lawyer if they borrowed it.

If it is permanently lost, proceed with the next steps.

2. Report the Loss to the Nearest Police Station

You must file a report at your nearest police station and obtain a police abstract. This serves as official proof that your title deed is missing.

💡Pro  Tip: The police abstract should include:

  • The full landowner’s name

  • Title deed number

  • Circumstances of loss

3. Conduct an Official Land Search

A land search confirms that the land is still registered under your name and prevents fraud.

How can I check my title deed online in Kenya?

You can check the details of your title deed online through the ArdhiSasa platform, the official Kenyan government land management system. Follow these steps:

  1. Visit ArdhiSasa Website – Go to Ardhi Sasa Website

  2. Create an Account – If you don’t have an account, sign up by providing your ID and personal details.

  3. Login to Your Dashboard – Once registered, log in to access services.

  4. Select ‘Search Property’ – Enter your Title Number and search for land records.

  5. View Ownership Details – If the land is digitized, you will see details of the registered owner and any transactions related to the title.

If your land record is not yet digitized, visit the nearest Lands Registry to check manually.

How to Replace a Lost Title Deed in Kenya – The Full Process

1. Swear a Statutory Declaration (Affidavit)

Prepare a sworn affidavit before a Commissioner for Oaths, explaining:

  • How and where the title deed was lost.

  • Efforts were made to recover it.

  • Ownership confirmation and that no sale has occurred.

💡 Pro Tip: The affidavit should be signed and stamped by a certified advocate.

2. Submit a Formal Application to the Land Registry

Visit the Lands Registry and complete the LRA 12 Form (Application for Replacement of Title/Lease).

 Attach the following documents:

  •  Police abstract

  •  Sworn affidavit

  • Original land search results

  • National ID and KRA PIN certificate

  •  Passport-size photos

3. Publication in the Kenya Gazette

Once your application is approved, the Chief Land Registrar publishes a 60-day public notice in the Kenya Gazette.

💡 Why?

  • This allows any objections to be raised by other claimants.

  • If no one contests within 60 days, the replacement process continues.

4. Issuance of a New Title Deed

  • After 60 days, if no objections arise, a Provisional Title Deed is issued.

  • If objections occur, the matter goes for legal resolution before approval.

Required Documents for Replacing a Lost Title Deed in Kenya

  1.  Police Abstract – Confirms the loss.

  2.  Sworn Affidavit – Declares the circumstances of loss.

  3.  Land Search Results – Confirms ownership.

  4.  National ID & KRA PIN Certificate – For identification..

  5. KRA PIN Certificate & National ID Copy – To verify your identity

  6. Land Control Board (LCB) Consent – If the land is agricultural.

  7. Company Registration Documents – If land is owned by a business.

  8. Application Form – Obtained from the Ministry of Lands.

  9. Newspaper Advertisement – A notice in a national newspaper announcing the lost title and calling for objections within 60 days.

  10. Payment of Fees – Pay the required

  11.  Passport Photos – For record-keeping

The Cost of Replacing a Lost Title Deed in Kenya

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Lost Title Deed in Kenya?

The cost varies but typically includes:

Service

Estimated Cost (Ksh)

Police Abstract Fee

100–500

Affidavit Preparation

2,000–5,000

Gazette Notice Fee

3,000–10,000

Land Registry Fees

5,000–10,000

Total Estimated Cost

10,000–25,000

💡 Tip:. The prices provided in this article are for general guidance and may vary. Please always confirm the latest fees with the relevant land registry before making any financial decisions.

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How Long Does It Take to Replace a Lost Title Deed in Kenya?

The process generally takes 3–4 months, depending on delays.

Step

Timeframe

Police Report & Affidavit

1–2 days

Application & Gazette Notice

60 days

Processing at Lands Registry

2–4 weeks

Total Estimated Time

3–4 months

💡 Tip: To speed up the process, ensure all documents are complete before submission.

What Is An Affidavit For A Lost Title Deed?

An affidavit for a lost title deed is a sworn legal statement that declares the loss or destruction of a land title deed. It is a key document required when applying for a replacement title deed in Kenya.

The affidavit should include:

  • Your full name and ID number

  • The land details (Title Number, location, and size)

  • An explanation of how the title was lost, stolen, or damaged

  • A statement confirming you are the rightful owner

  • A declaration that you have not transferred or sold the land

  • Your signature and stamp from a Commissioner for Oaths

This document is submitted to the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning as part of the process of replacing a lost title deed.



Tips to Avoid Losing Your Title Deed Again

1. Store it in a Safe Place

  •  Use a fireproof safe at home.

  •  Store in a bank’s safety deposit box.

2. Make Certified Copies

  •  Have notarized copies for reference.

  •  Store digital scans in secure cloud storage.

3. Register for Digital Land Records

  •  Sign up for eCitizen land services.

  •  Update your records regularly to prevent fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Happens If I Find My Original Title After Getting a Duplicate?

  • You must surrender the duplicate to the Lands Registry for cancellation.

2. Can Someone Object to My Title Deed Replacement?

  • Yes, objections can be raised during the 60-day Gazette notice period.

  • If contested, the case will be resolved legally.

3. Can I Sell My Land While the Title Replacement is in Progress?

  • No, the process must be fully completed before selling.

Final Thoughts

Losing a title deed in Kenya can be stressful, but the process of replacing it is straightforward if you follow the required steps.

💡 Final Tip: . Always ensure you store land documents safely to avoid unnecessary legal and financial costs.

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