Conducting a land search on Ardhisasa is one of the crucial activities when buying land in Kenya. The countless Kenyans falling victim to unscrupulous land agents is a quick reminder of the importance of performing a land search.
A land search helps to identify the property’s real owners and to check if the land has a caveat or has been charged. The search also notifies the land buyer if the land has outstanding rates, which need to be considered when determining the purchasing price.
This article provides a straightforward guide on how to conduct a land search on Ardhisasa.
What’s Ardhisasa?
Ardhisasa is an online platform established by the Ministry of Lands to fast-track the search, valuation, transfer, registration, and issuance of land titles. The platform enables Kenyans to access land data and carry out paperless transactions easily.
The digitization of land-based services eliminates paper records, which are prone to corruption and fraudulent land acquisition.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Perform Land Search on Ardhisasa
1. Register on Ardhisasa
To access land-based services on Ardhisasa, you must register on the platform. Visit Ardhisasa and click on “Register”.
The platform provides two registration options: as an individual or as a company.
Requirements for individual registration
- Identification (ID) details, including serial number and ID number
- Official phone number
- Email address
Requirements for company registration
- Company name
- Company registration details (registration number)
- Company’s country of incorporation
- Official company phone number
- Email address
If you already have an Ardhisasa account, proceed to the next step.
2, Login to the Platform
The next step is to log into the platform using Ardhisasa ID and identification number. Enter your password to proceed to the dashboard.
3. Once on the dashboard, head over to the menu on the left side and click “Services”
4. Head to the “Land Registration Option” and select “Search”. You can also access land search services by clicking the “View More” icon.
5. To initiate a search, click “New Application” on the top right side. Then click “Next.”
5. On the next page, enter the search details, including the type of search you wish to conduct, the parcel number, and the purpose of the search (e.g., intention to purchase).
You’re also required to select the scope of your search. Here, you’ve two options: either particular of the subsiding entries or particulars noted on the Proprietorship section/Property Section.
Subsiding entries include entries and encumbrances made on the land parcel.
6. Once you’re done, click “Next”
- Crosscheck the summary of the search request to ensure it’s accurate. Then, click on “Submit”
- Click “Yes” when prompted to submit your search application.
Read More: The Process of Buying Land in Kenya
Key Point to Note
The current owner or joint proprietors must confirm the search application so you can receive the search results. The owners will receive notification of the search application through their phone. However, the owner must be registered on Ardhisasa to get the notification.
Furthermore, the owner or proprietor must approve the search application through the Ardhisasa system. Once in the system, the owner verifies the search request through a one-time pin (OTP) sent via SMS.
Now, you can download the search certificate.
Here are reasons why the search application may fail
- If the owner/proprietor of the property is not registered on Ardhisasa platform
- If the added property is yet to be verified by the Ministry of Lands,
- If you entered the wrong parcel number.
In summary, Kenyans currently enjoy easy access to land-based services thanks to the Ardhisasa platform. It’s prudent to conduct an online land search on Ardhisasa to ensure safe land acquisition
