A Transfer of Interest in Land (Form LRA 33) is the primary legal document used in Kenya to transfer ownership or other interests in registered land from one party to another. This jurisdiction-specific form is prescribed under the Land Registration Act and the Land Registration (General) Regulations, 2017, specifically Rule 49(1). It is the standard instrument for executing property sales, gifts, exchanges, and other transfers of land rights in Kenya's land registration system.
This form is intended for property sellers (transferors), buyers (transferees), estate executors, administrators, corporate entities, individuals, family members, donors, beneficiaries, and their legal representatives involved in land transactions. It is used for transferring freehold titles, leasehold interests, or any other registrable interest in land, whether through sale, gift, inheritance distribution, corporate reorganization, or any other lawful means of transferring property rights.
The form requires comprehensive details, including the title number, date of transfer, full names and identification or company registration numbers of both transferor(s) and transferee(s). A critical element is the consideration section, which must specify either the monetary amount paid (with receipt acknowledged by the transferor) or indicate "other" consideration such as gifts, exchanges, or family arrangements. The nature of the interest being transferred must be clearly stated, whether it is absolute ownership, a share, or another specific interest.
The transfer is automatically subject to the Land Registration Act, Land Act, and any interests already noted on the register such as easements, charges, or restrictions. Additional provisions or special conditions can be included if agreed by the parties. Both transferor(s) and transferee(s) must execute the document as a deed with colored photographs, identification numbers, PIN numbers, and signatures or thumbprints, verified by certifying officers under Section 45 of the Land Registration Act. Once registered and sealed by the Land Registrar, ownership legally passes to the transferee within Kenya's land registration framework.