The Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB) has cautioned property agents practicing in Kenya without the proper credentials.
In a recent notice issued by EARB on March 15th 2024, the board has also warned property owners of dire consequences should they procure services from unregistered real estate agents.
“In order for the EARB to continue protecting the interest of the public and enhance professionalism in the Real Estate sector, consumers are advised to deal with registered agents only.” EARB’s registrar Hellen Abuya said in the notice
In a bid to shield Kenyans from falling victim to fraudulent agents, EARB has directed that all real estate agents operating in the country must produce a Registration Certificate and an annual Practicing Certificate.
“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 added
EARB has directed that all real estate agents 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 practicing estate agent, a certificate of good conduct and a non-refundable registration fee of Kes. 1,000.
Once the agent submits the application documents, they will be required to attend an interview with the board at a standard fee of Ksh3,000.
If one passes the interview, they 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 practicing certificate which allows them to continue practicing. 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, In this regard, all estate agents registered by EARB are issued with a registration certificate and an annual practicing certificate in every year of practice.” the notice read in part.
The board in a bid to eradicate fraud in the real estate sector also noted that all registered agents will be published in a gazette notice through the Kenya Gazette annually.
The move has however caused a murmur among certain quotas of the Estate Agencies operating within the country with many questioning the many payments made during the registration process.
Speaking to this author, one agent questioned the Kes. 3000 shillings payment for an interview even after paying the Kes. 1000 non refundable registration fee.
“You pay 1000 when you submit your form, then there’s 3000 shillings for an interview to which if you pass you add another 10,000 shillings to be registered as an estate agent, why are we paying the initial amount and even for an interview?” he said