You buy a plot in Ruai or Kitengela, and you’re excited. You’ve been told it’s 50 by 100. Your mind races: two bedrooms here, a backyard there, maybe even a car shade. The plan is ready. The fundi is on standby. Then a surveyor steps in—and breaks your heart.
The land you thought was 50 by 100 is actually 40 by 88.
Before you build, verify—not assume. What’s on paper may not match what’s on the ground.
Where the Discrepancies Begin
The assumption that plot sizes on title deeds are always accurate is one of the biggest traps for Kenyan homeowners. Errors can stem from:
- Poor subdivision mapping
- Encroachments from neighbours
- Misplaced or missing beacons
- Unauthorised land sales from cartels
- Title deeds not matching survey plans
Sometimes, it’s not even deception—just outdated records or poor site marking.
What You Risk If You Don’t Confirm
Let’s say you go ahead with construction based on what your broker said or what you “measured with a tape.” Here’s what could happen:
- Fencing disputes: A neighbour claims you’ve eaten part of their land.
- County penalties: You’re fined or asked to demolish because you’ve built into a setback zone.
- Foundation rework: You dig, pour, and then discover your structure overlaps a utility corridor.
- Legal battles: Months or years in court trying to reclaim encroached land.
If a fundi or broker is saying “just start, hakuna shida,” that’s a red flag, not reassurance.
Key Verifications to Make Before You Build
To avoid painful surprises, make sure to:
- Conduct a beacon confirmation survey with a licensed surveyor.
- Cross-check your title deed with the Registry Index Map (RIM) or survey plan.
- Engage your area physical planner to confirm plot setbacks, zoning, and building lines.
- Request updated mutation and subdivision maps if buying from a newly split parcel.
“Beacon iko wapi?” is a legit question to ask. If the seller doesn’t know, that’s your cue to pause.
Common Lies People Believe
Let’s bust some:
- “Kila plot hapa ni 50 by 100.” Not always. Measure yours.
- “The fence shows the boundary.” Unless verified, that’s decorative guesswork.
- “The previous owner never had issues.” Neither did Titanic. Until it sank.
What Lanny Builders Limited Does Differently
We don’t wait until construction begins to verify a plot. Our process includes:
- Pre-construction plot inspections
- Beacon verification and re-marking
- Working with licensed land surveyors
- Aligning your design with true boundaries and county laws
That means your building plan actually fits your land—and gets approved without drama.
Don’t just fall in love with a plot. Measure it. Know it. Own it—with clarity.
Final Thoughts
A plot is not just a piece of land—it’s the canvas of your dream home. But if the canvas is torn, too small, or shared with a neighbour unknowingly, your dream might remain just that—a dream.
Don’t trust size by word of mouth. Don’t guess where your walls will go.
Lanny Builders Limited—giving you the real size of your dream before you lay the first stone.
