By Khaemba Wafula

Conversion of title deeds refers to the transfer of all land parcels from outdated land registration laws to the new Land Registration Act of 2012. The conversion ensures that land records are safe, reliable, and easily accessible. It entails cancelling title deeds from the previous administration and replacing them with title deeds from the new administration.

What does the process involve?

• Application: Done by an advocate through the Ardhisasa portal by providing the following information:

1. Old parcel number
2. New parcel number in the format NAIROBI/BLOCK XX/YYY
3. Proprietorship details; Name and Identification number(s), i.e. ArdhiSasa ID and National ID
4. Deceased Proprietor details (where applicable)
5. Supporting documents (if any)(Accepted file formats: pdf, png & jpeg) (National ID or Passport)
6. Copy of title deed
7. Marriage Certificate; in the case of jointly owned property

• Gazettement: The Ministry of Lands will gazette the application following the application. Following the lapse of the ninety (90) day limit issued, the ministry calls upon the parcel owners to initiate the surrender process through advocates by filling out the digitized form LRA 97.
• Submission of documents: Upon presentation of Form LRA 97 and the supporting documents, the Registrar shall, upon verification, issue the registered owner with the title within twenty-one (21) days.
• Post Conversion: Following a successful conversion, the advocate will pick up the converted title document on behalf of the landowner after a notification is sent to the advocate. The advocate will present the old title deed in exchange for the new physical ownership document.

Only an advocate with a validated advocate account on the ArdhiSasa portal may apply for this process. We can assist you in obtaining your new title through the Ardhisasa portal. Reach out to matthew@mmagareadvocates or victor@mmagareadvocates.