The Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB) has cautioned the public against interacting with unlicensed agents when dealing with real estate transactions.
In a notice issued on Friday, March 15, EARB directed that real estate agents must produce a Registration Certificate and an annual Practising Certificate to shield Kenyans from falling victim to fraud.
All real estate agents should complete a form on the EARB website or visit their offices to receive a registration certificate.
Before approval, the agents must provide a recent passport photograph, curriculum vitae, educational certificates, a letter of recommendation from a registered and practising estate agent, a certificate of good conduct and a non-refundable registration fee of Ksh1,000.
Once you submit the application documents, you will be required to attend an interview with the board at a standard fee of Ksh3,000.
If you pass the interview, you will register as a real estate agent and pay a registration of Ksh10,000.
To protect the public's interests and enhance professionalism, the board requires all real estate agents to apply for an annual practising certificate which allows them to continue practising. They will be required to pay a Ksh7,000 fee.
"All consumers of the Estate Agents services are hereby notified that the Estate Agents Act Cap 533 Laws of Kenya makes it mandatory for agents - that is persons who by way of business negotiate for or otherwise act in relation to the selling, purchasing or letting of land and buildings erected thereon - to be registered with the Board," the notice read in part.
"In this regard, all estate agents registered by EARB are issued with a registration certificate and an annual practising certificate in every year of practice."
To smoothen the process, the board noted that all registered agents are published annually through the Kenya Gazette. Kenyans were advised to verify an agent through the Gazette Notice Volume Number 29 dated March 8, 2024.
Another option is to inquire from the board via an email or a search on EARB's official website: www.estateagentsboard.or.ke under the blogs section.
The board also provided another verification option through the E-Citizen self-service portal by logging in to your account.
"Any person practising as an estate agent without registration is doing so illegally and risks prosecution," the notice read in part.
"Please report any person purporting to act as an estate agent without registration and a valid annual practising certificate to the Board."
