Monday, December 9, 2024

Official search and a Registry Index Map (RIM) in land transactions in Kenya

An official search and a Registry Index Map (RIM) are both important documents in land transactions in Kenya:

Official search
A search of the land registry for the property being sold. This is often done before drafting a sale agreement. The search can be done electronically for land in Nairobi or other digitally-enabled registries, or physically for up-country registries.


Registry Index Map (RIM)
A map that shows the location, boundaries, and shape of a piece of land. It also shows the general region around the land. The RIM is often more informative than the title deed because it visually confirms the land's existence and location. 


The RIM is obtained from the Survey of Kenya after the official search. It's an essential document that provides proof that the land is legally owned and accurately mapped. The RIM is updated with any changes to the land, such as subdivisions or amalgamations.

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