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How to Find Land Maps When Buying Land in Kenya

 

Find Land Maps in Kenya

Land maps are vitally important when buying land in Kenya. They provide you with relevant information about a piece of land you intend to buy. Acquiring relevant land maps earlier during the land-buying process will help you avoid getting tricked by the seller.

Several land maps are used for land registration in Kenya. However, the most popular map when it comes to buying land in the country is the Registry Index Map (RIM). The RIM provides important details regarding a piece of land, like its location, plot number, and scale. The map is drawn to scale. Thus, with a ruler and the scale indicated on the RIM, you can measure and determine the size of the land you want to buy   

Obtaining a RIM will help verify if the data on the map correspond with the reality on the ground. Thus, once you get the maps, you must visit the site and determine if everything checks out.

Obtaining a RIM requires that you provide proof of land ownership. Thus, as a buyer, you have to request your prospective land seller to apply for the map and then provide you with the same.

Below are the steps for obtaining a RIM.

Step 1: Make a Request for a Folio Registry Number Search

The request should be made in the land registry offices where a piece of land is situated. The folio registry number is needed to trace a particular piece of land’s RIM. For a folio registry number search to be conducted, the land owner must provide proof of ownership. A title deed's original or certified copy is considered adequate proof of land ownership.

Step 2: Make Payments for the Folio Registry Number Search

One is currently required to pay Ksh. 150 for the folio registry numbers search. Results are obtained after making the payment.

Step 3: Confirm the Availability of the Land Map

The folio registry number search helps reveal if a RIM is available for a particular parcel of land. One can only proceed with the application if the map is available.

 Step 4: Pay for the Land Map

Once availability is confirmed, one must pay for a copy of the RIM. The current fee for the RIM is Ksh. 650. The land registry office provides instructions on how and when to make a payment.  

Step 5: Obtain the Land Map

Once payment has been finalized, the land registry office prints a copy of the RIM and provides the same to the applicant. Note: the map's use is limited to personal and non-commercial purposes. Commercial use of the RIM is an offence.   

Assistance Interpreting the Map

Reading and understanding a RIM can be challenging. It is especially challenging to determine the actual size of the land based on the map. A surveyor can help you easily understand the map. A surveyor can also help you measure the actual piece of land you intend to buy and determine if the measurements correspond to the map. However, a surveyor will likely charge you a fee for such assistance.

Obtaining the relevant land maps is an important step in the land-buying process. Although it will cost you some time and money, it will help you establish crucial facts about the land you intend to buy, such as its location, plot number, and size. Relevant maps can save you a lot of time and money later on in the land acquisition process.   

Location: Kenya

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