The keys steps in Conversion Process of Land Titles and/or Procedure involved

Title conversion is the process of migrating land titles from old registration systems to the new system established by the Land Registration Act, 2012. The conversion of titles is a government-led initiative to migrate all land parcels from the old registration systems to a unified, secure, and digital system, streamlining land administration and enhancing security of tenure.

The conversion process involves several key steps:

1. Preparation and Publication
• The Survey of Kenya prepares cadastral maps and conversion lists, showing old and new parcel numbers.
• The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Lands publishes these lists in the Kenya Gazette and two national newspapers, notifying the public of the impending closure of old registers and opening of new ones after 90 days
2. Objection and Review Period
• Landowners or interested parties have 90 days to lodge any grievances using Form LRA 96 with the land registrar. If complaints arise, a caution is registered pending resolution.
• The Registrar reviews and resolves complaints within 90 days, with appeals permitted to the Environment and Land Court.
3. Public Notice for replacement titles.
• After the 90 days, landowners are invited to apply for the replacement of titles. Applications are made via the Ministry of Lands or the Ardhisasa portal, typically through an advocate, and must include:
• Completed application form (FORM LRA 97)
• Original title deed
• Identification documents (ID/Passport)
• Proof of payment of prescribed fees (No fees are charged for conversion)
4. Verification and Issuance
• The Land Registry verifies documents and may conduct site inspections.
• Upon approval, the old title is surrendered, and a new title deed (Certificate of Title LRA 20 or Certificate of Lease LRA) is issued within 21 days, reflecting the new registration details under the Land Registration Act, 2012

Special Cases of Title Conversion

• Lost Titles: Reconstruction under Section 33(5) of the LRA, involving gazette notices and verification.
• Succession: Heirs must present grants of probate or letters of administration to update registers.
• Court-Held Titles: Requires court orders for release, often involving advocates’ irrevocable undertakings.
• Sectional Properties: Must submit georeferenced sectional plans authenticated by the Director of Survey.