Losing a title deed can feel like a big problem, especially if you’re a landowner or investor in Kenya.
That piece of paper proves you own your property; without it, things like selling or developing your land can become difficult.
But don’t worry, we are here to guide you on how to easily replace a lost title deed in Kenya. At Chepchieng and Company Advocates, we’ve helped many people replace a lost title deed in Kenya, and we know how important it is to get started early.
Without wasting your time, we will cover everything you need to know on how to replace a lost title deed in Kenya, including the steps, costs, timelines, and helpful tips. Plus, we will answer common questions and share recent statistics to ensure you’re well-informed.
Why You Should Replace a Lost Title Deed in Kenya
A title deed is a legal document that proves you own a piece of land or property.
It doesn’t mean you’ve lost ownership if your title deed was lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed.
However, you need a replacement certificate to protect your property from fraud or to use it for transactions like selling or getting a loan.
Acting quickly to replace a lost title deed in Kenya is essential to avoid issues like illegal transactions.
According to the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, over 10,000 applications for title deed replacement were processed in 2024, showing how common this issue is.
If your title deed was lost, don’t panic. The process to recover a lost title deed in Kenya is straightforward; with the proper steps, you’ll have a new one in no time. Let’s break it down.
Step-by-Step Process to Replace a Lost Title Deed in Kenya
Here’s how you can replace a lost title deed in Kenya:
Step 1: Report the Loss to the Police
The first thing you need to do when your title deed is lost is to report it to the nearest police station.
This step is essential because it creates an official record of the loss. When you go to the police station, bring your national ID or passport and, if possible, a copy of the lost title deed or the title number.
The police will give you a document called A POLICE ABSTRACT proving you reported the loss. Obtaining a police abstract is quick and usually free, though some stations may charge a small fee of around KES 500. This document is required when you apply for a replacement certificate.
Step 2: Conduct a Land Search
Next, you need to confirm that you’re still the registered owner of the property. Visit the Land Registry office where your property is registered or use the e-Citizen portal for an official land search.
This step checks the property’s status, ensures no disputes or loans are tied to it, and confirms your ownership.
To do a land search, you’ll need your:
- ID
- KRA PIN
- Title number
The cost for a land search is usually between KES 500 and KES 2,000, depending on the property’s location. This step is crucial before filling out an application form for title deed replacement.
Step 3: Prepare a Statutory Declaration (Affidavit)
You must swear an affidavit before a Commissioner for Oaths or a property lawyer. This is a legal document where you explain how your title deed was lost. The affidavit should include:
- Your personal details (name, ID number).
- Details of the property (title number, location).
- How the title deed was lost (e.g., misplaced, stolen, or destroyed).
- A statement that you haven’t used the title deed as security for a loan or sold the property.
At Chepchieng and Company Advocates, we can help you prepare this affidavit to ensure it meets all legal requirements.
This step is essential to prove your genuine claim when completing an application form for a replacement certificate.
Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form
To officially replace a lost title deed in Kenya, you must complete Form LRA 12 (Application for Replacement Certificate of Title/Lease on Loss/Destruction of a Previous Title).
This form is available at the Land Registry or online through the Ministry of Lands website. When filling an application form, include:
- Your personal details
- The property’s parcel number.
- Details of the lost title deed (if known).
- The police abstract.
- A certified copy of your ID or passport.
- Passport-sized photos (for individuals) or company documents (if a company owns the property).
Completing an application form correctly is essential to avoid delays. If you find this difficult, contact us, and we can help you fill out this form accurately.
Step 5: Register a Caution (Optional but Recommended)
While waiting for your replacement certificate, you can protect your property by registering a caution at the Land Registry.
A caution prevents anyone from selling or transferring your property without your knowledge. This step is beneficial if you’re worried about fraud. The cost to register a caution is around KES 3,000.
Step 6: Publish a Gazette Notice
After filling out an application form, the Land Registrar will prepare a Gazette Notice. This notice is published in the Kenya Gazette and sometimes in a national newspaper.
It announces that you’ve applied to replace a lost title deed in Kenya and gives the public 60 days to raise objections. The cost for the Gazette Notice is about KES 1,500 to KES 3,000.
This step is required by the Land Registration Act, 2012, to ensure transparency. If no one objects during the 60 days, the process moves forward.
Step 7: Get Your Replacement Certificate
If there are no objections after the 60 days, the Land Registrar will issue your replacement certificate. Depending on the property’s location and type, you may need to pay a final fee of around KES 5,000 to KES 10,000.
Once you have your new title deed, check it carefully to ensure all details are correct. We usually help our clients follow up with the Land Registry to ensure your title deed replacement is processed quickly and correctly.
Costs of Replacing a Lost Title Deed in Kenya
The cost to replace a lost title deed in Kenya varies depending on the property’s location and the steps involved. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs (as of 2025):
- Police abstract: KES 0–500.
- Land search: KES 500–2,000.
- Affidavit: KES 1,000–2,000 (depending on the lawyer or Commissioner for Oaths).
- Gazette Notice: KES 1,500–3,000.
- Application fees: KES 5,000–10,000.
- Caution (optional): KES 3,000.
- Legal fees (if you hire a lawyer): KES 5,000–15,000.
Total cost (without legal fees): KES 5,000–20,000.
If you work with Chepchieng and Company Advocates, we offer affordable and transparent pricing to help you replace a lost title deed in Kenya.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Lost Title Deed in Kenya?
Replacing a lost title deed usually takes about 3 to 6 months. The 60-day Gazette Notice period is the longest part of the process.
Delays can happen if documents are incomplete or if objections are raised. To speed things up, provide all required documents when completing an application form. When you work with us, we track your application to avoid unnecessary delays.
Tips for a Smooth Title Deed Replacement Process
Here are some tips to make the replacement of a lost title deed easier:
- Act quickly after realizing your title deed was lost to protect your property.
- Keep copies of all documents, like your ID, police abstract, and affidavit.
- Work with a trusted lawyer like Chepchieng and Company Advocates to avoid mistakes.
- Double-check your application form before submitting it.
- Store your new replacement certificate in a safe place, like a bank safe deposit box.
Why Choose Chepchieng and Company Advocates?
At Chepchieng and Company Advocates, we understand how stressful it can be when your title deed is lost. Our experienced team specializes in land matters and has helped many landowners and investors replace a lost title deed in Kenya.
We guide you through every step, from reporting to the police station to obtaining a police abstract and completing an application form. We aim to make the title deed replacement process smooth and affordable.
Contact us today at Chepchieng and Company Advocates for expert help. We’re based in Kenya and ready to assist you with all your land-related needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can lost title deeds be replaced?
Yes, lost title deeds can be replaced in Kenya under the Land Registration Act, 2012. Following the steps above, you can get a replacement certificate proving your ownership.
What is the cost of replacing a lost title deed in Kenya?
The cost to replace a lost title deed in Kenya ranges from KES 5,000 to KES 20,000, depending on fees for the police abstract, land search, affidavit, Gazette Notice, and application. Legal fees may add KES 5,000–15,000.
How long does it take to replace a lost title deed in Kenya?
Replacing a lost title deed takes about 3 to 6 months, mainly due to the 60-day Gazette Notice period. Delays can occur if documents are incomplete.
What documents are needed to replace a lost title deed in Kenya?
You need a police abstract, affidavit, land search report, ID or passport, and Form LRA 12 when filling out an application form.
Can I replace a lost title deed without a lawyer?
Yes, you can replace a lost title deed in Kenya without a lawyer, but hiring one, like Chepchieng and Company Advocates, ensures the process is error-free and faster.
What happens if someone objects to the Gazette Notice?
If someone objects during the 60 days, the Land Registrar will investigate. You may need to provide more proof of ownership. A lawyer can help resolve this.
Conclusion
Losing a title deed is stressful, but replacing a lost title deed in Kenya is transparent and manageable. By reporting to the police station, obtaining a police abstract, filling out an application form, and following the other steps, you can get a replacement certificate to protect your property.
At Chepchieng and Company Advocates, we’re here to make the replacement of a lost title deed easy for you. Whether you’re a landowner or an investor, we’ll guide you with expertise and care.
