The Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB) has issued a notice directing all property buyers and tenants in Kenya to verify the credentials of agents before entering into any property transactions.
In a notice dated April 1, the EARB registrar, H.M. Abuya, said that the directive issued is anchored in the Estate Agents Act (Cap. 533), which requires all individuals involved in the sale, purchase, or letting of land and buildings to be registered with the Board.
“In order for the Board to continue protecting public interest and to enhance professionalism in the Real Estate Sector, Consumers are advised to require that the Estate Agents they engage provide Registration Certificates and Annual Practicing Certificates issued by the Board,” the board notice read in part.
How to Verify an Estate Agent Registered with EARB
According to the notice, registered agents are issued with both a Registration Certificate and an Annual Practicing Certificate, which must be valid for each year of operation.
Consumers can confirm whether an estate agent is properly registered through several official channels to ensure the agent holds valid credentials.
- Check EARB’s Online Directory
Visit the EARB Members Directory at members.estateagentsboard.or.ke/directory. Search using the agent’s full name, agency name, or registration number. Registered agents will appear with their firm, registration number, and status (active or expired). - Contact EARB Directly
Call 0741 088 144, email [email protected], or visit the Board at Prism Towers, 17th Floor, Upper Hill, Nairobi. You can confirm whether an agent holds a current practicing certificate. Additionally, Kenya Gazette notices and the e-Citizen self-service portal, under EARB’s services list, register agents annually. - Request Documents from the Agent
A registered estate agent must have a valid Registration Certificate and an Annual Practicing Certificate. Consumers should request to see both documents. Any hesitation, refusal, or presentation of expired certificates should be treated as a warning sign, and verification with EARB should be conducted before making any payments. - Access Official Records
Details of registered and practicing estate agents and listed estate agency companies in Kenya can be accessed via the Kenya Gazette Vol. CXXVIII-No. 56 dated 27th March, 2026 or on the EARB website at www.estateagentsboard.or.ke.
Members of the public are also advised to report any concerns or irregularities through the Board’s official reporting platform.
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“Persons practicing Estate Agency without registration are doing so illegally and risk prosecution and should be reported to the Board through: https://members.estateagentsboard.or.ke/disciplinary-issues,” the notice stated.
How to Register With EARB
To register as an estate agent in Kenya, applicants must go through the Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB), the statutory body that licenses and regulates real estate practitioners.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, Kenyan citizens, and meet minimum education and professional requirements, typically a KCSE certificate plus relevant real estate experience or training. They must also have a clean legal record and not be disqualified by law.
Prospective agents start by creating a membership account on the EARB portal at members.estateagentsboard.or.ke, selecting either an individual or firm account.
Also Read: Why Estate Agents Risk Arrest and Prosecution
Applicants then complete the online form, selecting the appropriate category, and provide personal and professional information. Required documents include an ID or passport, academic certificates, CV, passport photo, Certificate of Good Conduct, and a recommendation letter from a registered agent with at least two years’ experience.
The application requires an initial fee of approximately KSh 2,000, followed by a KSh 5,000 interview fee upon invitation. Successful applicants then pay registration fees of about KSh 10,000 and an annual practicing certificate fee of about KSh 7,000.
After document review, applicants attend an EARB interview. Successful candidates are issued a registration certificate and a unique EARB number, allowing them to operate legally. Registered agents must adhere to EARB’s code of conduct, maintain proper accounts, and renew their practicing certificate annually to remain in good standing.
