Conveyancing refers to the legal process of transferring ownership of property from one person or entity to another. Technology has played a significant role in modernizing the conveyancing process in Kenya. Here are some of the ways technology is impacting conveyancing in Kenya today:
- Electronic Land Transactions (e-Lands): Kenya has implemented an electronic land registration system known as e-Lands. This system allows for the electronic registration of land titles, the electronic transfer of land, and the issuance of electronic land certificates. e-Lands has made the conveyancing process faster, more efficient, and less prone to fraud.
- Online property search platforms: There are several online platforms that provide property search services in Kenya. These platforms allow users to search for properties using various criteria such as location, price, and size. The platforms also provide property valuation services and access to property ownership records. These platforms have made it easier for buyers and sellers to connect and transact.
- Digital signatures: In 2020, Kenya passed the Electronic Transactions and Cybersecurity Act which recognizes digital signatures as legally binding. This has made it possible for parties involved in a conveyancing transaction to sign documents electronically. Digital signatures have made the conveyancing process more efficient and convenient, as parties can sign documents from anywhere in the world.
- Mobile money: Mobile money services such as M-Pesa have made it easier for parties to make payments during a conveyancing transaction. This has reduced the need for physical cash transactions, making the process safer and more convenient.
- Cloud-based document storage: Cloud-based document storage solutions such as Google Drive and Dropbox have made it easier for conveyancing professionals to store and share documents securely. This has reduced the need for physical document storage, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
The adoption of electronic land registration systems, online property search platforms, digital signatures, mobile money services, and cloud-based document storage solutions have made the conveyancing process more efficient, transparent, and secure.