Sectional Title Deeds in Kenya: What Apartment Buyers Should Know

If you’re buying an apartment in Kenya, one phrase matters more than most: sectional title. Since the Sectional Properties Act 2020, apartment owners can hold an individual title deed to their unit — a major upgrade on the old share-certificate system. Here’s what sectional title deeds in Kenya mean for buyers.

What is a sectional title?

A sectional title gives you registered, individual ownership of a specific unit (your apartment) within a larger development, plus a share of the common areas — corridors, grounds, parking and amenities. It is the apartment equivalent of a freehold or leasehold title for a house.

Sectional titles vs share certificates

Historically, many Kenyan apartments were sold under a “share certificate” in a management company that owned the land, rather than a title to the unit itself — which made financing and resale harder. The Sectional Properties Act 2020 requires the conversion of these long-lease and share arrangements into proper sectional titles, giving each owner a clear, registrable title.

Why it matters for buyers

Clear ownership — a title in your name, not just a share in a company.
Easier financing — banks lend more readily against a sectional title.
Simpler resale — a registrable title is easier to transfer.
Defined common areas & service charge — a corporation of owners manages shared spaces.

What to check before buying an apartment

Confirm whether the unit has a sectional title or is still on a share / long-lease basis (and if conversion is under way), review the service charge and management set-up, and have your advocate run a full due diligence check. Budget the transfer with our closing costs guide.