Losing your title deed can be stressful—especially since it’s the most important legal document proving land ownership in Kenya. But the good news is, replacing a lost title deed in Kenya is possible through a formal, well-outlined legal process.
In this guide, we walk you through the step-by-step process of replacing a lost title deed under Kenyan law.
- Report the Loss Immediately
If your title deed is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the first step is to report the loss to the nearest police station. This helps prevent any potential misuse or fraud involving your land.
You will be issued with a Police Abstract—an essential document in the replacement process.
- Prepare a Statutory Declaration (Affidavit)
- Next, visit a Commissioner for Oaths (advocate) to swear an affidavit explaining:
- How the title deed got lost
- When and where it was last seen
- A confirmation that you are the legal owner
- This statutory declaration must include your ID number, land details (LR number), and signature.
- Publish a Lost Title Deed Notice in a Newspaper
To protect against fraud, you are required to publish a public notice in a widely circulated newspaper (e.g., Daily Nation or The Standard). The notice must include:
- Your full name
- Land parcel number and location
- A statement declaring the loss and intention to replace it
- The public is given 21 days to raise any objections.
- Obtain a Certified Search from the Lands Registry
Before applying for a replacement, you need to confirm your land ownership through a land search at the relevant Lands Registry Office (where the title was issued).
You will be issued with an official land search certificate, proving that the property is still in your name.
- Submit Application for Title Deed Replacement
Once the 21-day notice period has lapsed, and no objections have been filed, submit your documents to the Ministry of Lands. You will need:
- Copy of ID and KRA PIN
- Police abstract
- Sworn affidavit
- Newspaper cutting
- Certified land search
- Original title (if damaged, not lost)
- Duly filled Application for Replacement (Form RL26 or RL27)
- Payment of applicable fees (usually around KES 5,000)
- Processing and Issuance of New Title Deed
After verification and approval, the Land Registrar will issue a new title deed, which will state that it is a replacement of the original.
This may take 2–4 weeks, depending on the registry.
To get a land with ready Title Deed contact Shelta Investments Limited on 0700 932 263
