Owning land in Kenya is one of the most important investments you can ever make. Many people work hard for years so that they can buy a piece of land to build a home, start farming, or even invest for the future. But before you buy land, one thing you must do is confirm if the title deed is real and belongs to the seller. This protects you from fraud and fake deals. Today, with the use of technology, you no longer have to spend days moving from office to office. You can now learn how to check title deed online in Kenya through the government portal.

In this blog, we will explain step by step how to check title deed online, why it is important, what you will need, and some common mistakes to avoid. By the end of this blog, you will be fully ready to do your own search and confirm the ownership of land before buying.
Why It Is Important to Check a Title Deed
Before learning how to check title deed online, let us first understand why this process is very important.
- To confirm the owner – A title deed search shows the real owner of the land. This way you will know if the person selling the land is the true owner.
- To avoid fraud – Many people have lost money to fake sellers who pretend to own land. Checking the title deed online saves you from being a victim.
- To know if the land is clean – Sometimes land can have loans, court cases, or disputes. A search shows if there are any problems with the land.
- For peace of mind – Once you know the land has a clean title, you can buy it without worry.
This is why learning how to check title deed online is a key step for every land buyer in Kenya.
What You Need Before Checking Online
To use the online system, you need to be prepared. Here is what you need before starting the process:
- A computer or smartphone with internet connection
- An eCitizen account (you can register if you don’t have one)
- The land title number (this is the number written on the title deed)
- KSh 500 for payment (done through M-Pesa or other online payment options)
Once you have these, you can now begin the process of how to check title deed online.
Step by Step: How to Check Title Deed Online in Kenya
Let us now go through the process slowly and clearly.
1. Visit the eCitizen Website

- Go to www.ecitizen.go.ke.
- If you do not have an account, create one using your ID number and email.
- If you already have an account, just log in.
2. Go to Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning
- After logging in, scroll to the services section.
- Click on Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning.
- This is the part of the portal that deals with land issues.
3. Choose Land Search
- Once inside, look for the option written Land Search.
- Click on it.
4. Enter the Title Number
- You will now see a space to type in the land title number.
- Enter the correct title number exactly as it appears on the document.
5. Pay the Fee
- The system will ask for a payment of KSh 500.
- You can pay through M-Pesa or other methods listed.
- Once paid, wait for the system to process.
6. Download the Search Results
- After payment, you can now download a PDF file with your results.
- The results will show:
- Name of the registered landowner
- Land size
- Location
- Any encumbrances (like loans, cases, or disputes)
And just like that, you now know how to check title deed online in Kenya.
What Information Will You See in the Search Results?
When you complete a search, the online system gives you useful details that can guide your decision to buy. These include:
- Registered Owner – The official name of the person or company that owns the land.
- Land Size – The exact size of the plot or farm.
- Location – Where the land is found.
- Encumbrances – If there are loans, cases, or restrictions tied to the land.
This information is very important because it tells you if the land is safe to buy. If the land has problems, it is better to look for another plot.
Benefits of Using the Online System
The government has made the process easy with eCitizen and Ardhisasa. Here are some benefits of learning how to check title deed online:
- Fast and easy – No need to travel long distances to government offices.
- Accessible anytime – You can do the search at home, in the office, or even while traveling.
- Safe records – The results are official and downloadable as a PDF.
- Saves money – You avoid using brokers who may charge extra fees.
This shows why using the online system is the best way to confirm ownership of land in Kenya today.
Common Mistakes People Make
Even though the process is simple, many people make small mistakes. Here are a few to avoid:
- Wrong title number – Always enter the correct number from the deed.
- Not registering on eCitizen – Without an account, you cannot access the service.
- Ignoring encumbrances – If the search shows problems, do not ignore them.
- Relying only on verbal information – Always confirm with the online search.
By avoiding these mistakes, you will succeed in using the process of how to check title deed online.
Other Ways to Confirm Land Ownership
Sometimes you may want more assurance even after doing an online search. Here are other ways you can use:
- Visit the local land registry – You can cross-check the online results at the registry office.
- Ask for a copy of the seller’s ID and KRA PIN – This helps confirm the seller is the same person on the title deed.
- Get a lawyer’s help – A property lawyer can guide you in verifying land documents.
Combining these methods with how to check title deed online gives you full security before buying land.
How Ardhisasa Connects With the Process

The government has introduced Ardhisasa, a digital platform for land services. At the moment, it is active in Nairobi and will slowly spread to other counties. Through Ardhisasa, you can also carry out land searches, apply for title deeds, and do transfers. This is part of making land transactions more transparent and safer.
For now, eCitizen remains the main way to learn how to check title deed online across Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to check a title deed online?
It costs KSh 500 only.
Can I do the search without the title number?
No, you must have the correct title number.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are processed within a few minutes after payment.
Can I use the online results in court or for legal matters?
Yes, the online search is official and valid.
Is the process safe?
Yes, as long as you use the official eCitizen platform.
Why This Matters for Land Buyers
If you plan to buy land in Kenya, knowing how to check title deed online is one of the best skills you can have. It gives you confidence that the land you are buying is genuine and not tied to any fraud. With many cases of people losing money to fake land sellers, doing a title deed search is a simple step that protects your hard-earned investment.
Remember, land is a lifetime investment. Whether you are buying for your family, farming, or business, always check the title deed online before making payments.
Conclusion
Learning how to check title deed online in Kenya is now easier than ever before. With just a smartphone or computer, an eCitizen account, and KSh 500, you can confirm who owns land and if it has any disputes. The process is quick, safe, and reliable.
At Foxwood Properties Ltd, we always advise our clients to carry out a land search before buying. This ensures that every deal is transparent and secure. Owning land is a dream for many, and by following this simple process, you can take the right step towards making that dream come true.
So, the next time you are about to buy land, remember: how to check title deed online should be the first step before signing any deal. It is your key to safe, secure, and smart land ownership in Kenya.