The Institute of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) is urging the government to expedite the digitisation of land records, citing it as a crucial step toward eliminating widespread land fraud in the country.

Speaking during the ISK Pre-AGM Conference at a Mombasa hotel, ISK President Eric Nyadimo said the continued lack of comprehensive digital land records has created loopholes for fraudulent transactions, including the growing menace of double titling, which has been rampant at the Coast.

“Land is not supposed to have more than one title deed,” Nyadimo emphasised.

“The theory behind issuing certificates of title is anchored on the mirror and curtain principles. The mirror principle dictates that what is reflected in the register is the reality on the ground, while the curtain principle allows for full visibility of all transactions affecting the land. When you have two or three titles for the same parcel, it is either a clear case of fraud or poor record management—often both,” he stated.

Nyadimo noted that the absence of a centralised digital system has led to instances where parcels of land are surveyed multiple times, with inconsistent recordkeeping contributing to conflicting claims.

“One of our strongest advocacy points is the need to digitise all land records. The technology exists. We have a growing pool of young, unemployed graduates who can be engaged in this process,” he said.

“The Judiciary has made remarkable progress in digitising its services. Why can’t the Ministry of Lands do the same?”

The ISK President was further concerned that without a digital platform, land officers operate “blind,” lacking access to comprehensive data.

He likened the issue to the past crisis of duplicate identity cards, which only became manageable after the adoption of digital systems.

“To resolve double-titling and bring accountability, we must digitise. But we must also tackle fraud,” he said.

“The fraud problem is not just about professionals—it’s a societal issue. Some people posing as surveyors or valuers are, in fact, imposters who have never set foot in a classroom,” he added.

The conference also turned its focus to concerns about developments in the Ngong Road Forest, where reports have emerged about a luxurious hotel being constructed within the forest boundaries.