Cadastral
Survey Services

A cadastral survey is an official measurement and mapping of land boundaries by a licensed surveyor. It involves physically visiting the property, measuring boundary corners with precision GPS equipment (GNSS), installing permanent concrete beacons at corners, preparing detailed survey plans showing dimensions and coordinates, verifying measurements against government records (Registry Index Map), and submitting everything to the Land Registry through the Ardhisasa digital platform. The result is a legally recognized document that defines your property boundaries and enables title deed issuance or land subdivision.

Timelines vary by property complexity and government processing speed. Typical schedule: Site visit and quotation (1-3 days), Registry verification and RIM search (3-7 days), field survey (1-2 days for most residential plots), data processing and plan preparation (5-10 days), government submission and approval through Ardhisasa (2-8 weeks depending on county and any revisions needed). Total time from start to approved survey plan typically ranges from 6 weeks to 3 months. Rush services available for urgent cases.

Kenyan law requires all cadastral surveys for title deeds to be prepared and signed by a surveyor registered with the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK). The Land Registry will reject any survey not prepared by a licensed surveyor. ISK registration means the surveyor has met education requirements (typically a university degree in land surveying), passed professional exams, completed practical training, maintains professional indemnity insurance, and follows the ISK Code of Professional Conduct. Using an unlicensed surveyor will cost you time and money when your survey is rejected.

Boundary disputes are unfortunately common. If a neighbor challenges your boundary during or after the survey, several options exist: First, the surveyor can arrange a joint site meeting with both parties to explain the measurements and show government records (RIM). Second, both parties can agree to a new jointly witnessed survey with each party's surveyor present. Third, if agreement fails, either party can file a land dispute case at the Environment and Land Court. Our ISK-registered surveyors can provide expert testimony and beacon certificates (legally binding documentation of boundary positions) if court proceedings become necessary. Prevention is best: always inform neighbors before starting a survey.

Costs depend on several factors: property size (larger plots take more time), location (remote areas cost more due to travel), terrain difficulty (steep slopes or dense vegetation slow work), accessibility (can vehicles reach the site), county requirements (some counties have additional submission requirements), and survey complexity (simple boundary or subdivision). Typical ranges: Small residential plot (1/8 to 1/2 acre): KES 50,000 to 80,000. Standard residential plot (1 to 5 acres): KES 80,000 to 150,000. Large agricultural land (5+ acres): KES 150,000 to 300,000 or more. Subdivision surveys cost more because each new plot requires separate calculations and plans. Contact us for accurate pricing based on your specific property.

Bring or email us copies of: Original title deed or certified copy from Land Registry (essential, shows legal ownership and parcel number), National ID or Passport (proof of identity for survey instructions), Sale agreement if purchasing (confirms you have authority to commission survey), Previous survey plans if available (helps identify existing beacons), Registry Index Map (RIM) if you have it (we can obtain this if you do not), Location sketch or GPS coordinates (helps us find the property, especially in areas without formal addresses). If you are missing documents, we can help obtain certified copies from the Land Registry in Nairobi, Mombasa, or your local county Lands Office.