Why You Should Read the Ndung’u Report Before Buying Land in Kenya

Buying land is one of the most significant investments you can make in Kenya. Whether it’s for building a home, farming, or future resale, owning land is often seen as a sign of success and security. However, Kenya’s land sector is riddled with challenges — fraud, double allocations, and illegal grabbing are still common. One of the most valuable resources to guide land buyers is the Ndung’u Report, formally known as the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Illegal/Irregular Allocation of Public Land.

This landmark report was published in 2004 and remains one of the most comprehensive investigations into Kenya’s land issues.

If you are planning to buy land, here is why you should consider reading it first.

1. Learn the History of Land Grabbing

The Ndung’u Report is essentially a record of how public land was grabbed over the years. It lists parcels of land that were illegally allocated, the institutions involved, and the individuals who benefited.

By reviewing this report, you can check if the land you intend to buy was once illegally acquired or earmarked for public use. This step could save you from purchasing property that might later be reclaimed by the government.

Download the Full Report: Kenya Law – Full Report PDF

2. Strengthen Your Due Diligence

Due diligence is the process of verifying ownership and the legal status of land before buying it. The Ndung’u Report highlights irregular allocations and suspicious title deeds, making it an essential reference for anyone conducting land searches.

Use the report alongside:

• A search at the Ministry of Lands
• Surveyor’s report & site visit
• County or local authority approvals

This combination of checks significantly reduces your risk of buying problematic land.

View Annexes Listing Grabbed Land:

• The Ndung’u Report: Annexe Volume 1
• The Ndung’u Report: Annexe Volume 2
• The Ndung’u Report: Annexe Volume 3

3. Avoid Costly Legal Disputes

Land disputes are among the most common cases in Kenyan courts. Many of these disputes stem from illegal allocations or double sales.

By cross-checking your land against the Ndung’u Report, you greatly reduce the chance of ending up in a legal battle that could drag on for years.

4. Understand Policy Recommendations

The report goes beyond naming land grabbers — it makes policy recommendations to prevent future irregularities.

As a buyer or investor, understanding these recommendations helps you stay ahead of government plans for repossession, restitution, or compensation that could affect your land.

5. Become a More Informed Citizen

Reading the Ndung’u Report is not just about protecting your investment — it’s about understanding Kenya’s land governance challenges. It empowers you to demand accountability, support reforms, and advocate for fair and transparent land allocation systems.

6. Build Confidence in Your Purchase

Nothing gives peace of mind like knowing that your land is clean, dispute-free, and legally acquired. Consulting the Ndung’u Report is a step toward making a safe, confident, and well-informed investment decision.

Final Thoughts

The Ndung’u Report may be two decades old, but it is still one of the most important resources for anyone planning to buy land in Kenya. Illegal allocations listed in the report remain a source of disputes today, and the government continues to repossess grabbed public land.

Before you sign that sale agreement, take time to review the Ndung’u Report and cross-check the property you want to buy. It could save you from years of stress, financial loss, and legal battles.

Access the Full Report Here: Parliament Kenya Library – Full Report