A Specific Power of Attorney (Form LRA 6) is a limited legal instrument used in Kenya to authorize another person (the attorney or donee) to perform particular, clearly defined acts on behalf of a property owner (the donor) in relation to their registered land. This jurisdiction-specific document is prescribed under the Land Registration Act and the Land Registration (General) Regulations, 2017, specifically Rule 18. Unlike a general power of attorney, this form grants restricted authority limited to specific transactions or actions explicitly stated in the document, providing greater control and protection for the donor.
This form is intended for registered property owners, title holders, land investors, absentee landowners, busy professionals, corporate entities, trustees, and individuals who need to delegate authority for particular land transactions but wish to maintain control by limiting the scope of powers granted. It is particularly useful when the donor wants an attorney to handle a single specific transaction such as selling a particular property, executing a lease agreement, signing mortgage documents, completing a land transfer, subdividing land, applying for consent, or conducting any other clearly defined land-related act without granting broad general powers.
The Specific Power of Attorney requires comprehensive information from both parties. Essential details include the specific title number of the property, the date of the instrument, and full particulars of both the donor and donee including names, registration numbers if applicable, postal addresses, addresses for service, telephone numbers, email addresses, identification or passport numbers, and PIN numbers. Both parties must attach passport-size colored photographs for identification purposes. Critically, the document must contain a clear, detailed description of the specific acts and powers being delegated to the donee, leaving no ambiguity about the scope and limitations of the authority granted.
The instrument must be executed as a deed following proper legal formalities. Both the donor and donee must sign and seal the document in the presence of witnesses, and an advocate or other authorized officer must provide a Certificate of Verification for each party. The certifying officer confirms that the parties appeared before them, were properly identified, acknowledged their signatures voluntarily, and fully understood the document's contents and legal implications before execution.
Once properly executed and verified, the Specific Power of Attorney must be registered in the Register of Powers of Attorney at the Land Registry, where it receives an official registration number, date stamp, and authentication by the Land Registrar's signature and seal. This registration gives legal effect to the limited authority, enabling the attorney to perform only the specified acts on behalf of the donor within Kenya's land registration framework while protecting the donor from unauthorized actions beyond the stated scope.