Conversion Of Land Titles In Kenya

CONVERSION OF LAND TITLES IN KENYA

🔁 Conversion of Land Titles in Kenya: What You Need to Know

✅ Why This Matters

Following the 2010 Constitution, Kenya’s land laws underwent a major overhaul. The Land Registration Act, 2012 and the Land Act, 2012 repealed older laws like the Government Lands Act, Registered Land Act, and Registration of Titles Act, which had fragmented systems of land ownership.

But here’s the catch: while the laws changed, many land registers from the old regime remained active—until now. The Ministry of Lands has officially mandated the conversion of all title deeds issued under the repealed laws into the current system. This is to streamline land records, curb fraud, and enable digital transactions through Ardhisasa, Kenya’s online land management system.

🧭 What Is Title Conversion?

It’s the process of:

• Cancelling old title deeds
• Closing outdated registers
• Issuing new title documents under a unified system, with new parcel numbers and registry entries

From May 16, 2022, no transaction—buying, selling, transferring, charging—can proceed on land registered under the old regime unless the title is converted for the already gazette parcels of land. Ensure your parcel of land was not gazette for conversion yet you have not acted on its conversion.

📰 How Is the Process Being Done?

The Ministry of Lands has:

• Prepared cadastral maps linking new parcel numbers to old ones;
• Published lists in newspapers and gazette notices;
• Invited landowners to:
  • Confirm and object to listings within 90 days
  • Rectify errors (like acreage or ownership)
  • Request restrictions if there are disputes
  • Appeal decisions of the Land Registrar in court within 30 days

The conversion process is already underway in Nairobi and other counties, and new gazette notices are being issued regularly. Please keep your eyes open to avoid being left out.

🧾 What If You Don’t Convert?

If your land title is not converted:

• You cannot transact on the property.
• You risk delays in succession, sales, mortgages, or subdivisions.
• You may be left out of the new digital registry.

⚖️ Why You Need a Lawyer

Legal advice isn’t just helpful — it’s critical:

1. We check if your land has been listed for conversion in gazette notices.
2. We help file objections or verify accuracy of your property data.
3. We manage the process of replacing the old title, including completing Form LRA 97.
4. We protect your interests in charged properties — coordinating with banks and preparing partial discharges, title replacements, and re-registration of charges.
5. We help you avoid unnecessary court action by ensuring you comply with conversion rules early and efficiently.

🚀 What’s Next?

• Keep an eye out for gazette notices and newspaper listings.
• Prepare to apply for your new title using Form LRA 97.
• Talk to us if your property is listed, under charge, or caught in a succession process.

📞 We’re Here to Help

At MNW & Advocates LLP, we assist landowners, developers, and institutions with the title conversion process — from start to finish. Don’t wait until your land transaction stalls.

Contact us today to get started: +254733491415 | mokua@mnwlaw.co.ke | www.mnwlaw.co.ke

---

DISCLAIMER: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized legal guidance, please contact a qualified legal professional or our offices at MNW & Advocates LLP.