REVISED STAMP DUTY RATES FOR GAZETTED URBAN AREAS AND MUNICIPALITIES
Pursuant to the Stamp Duty Act, the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban
Development (“the Ministry”) has declared that on the transfer of land, the stamp duty payable by
purchasers on the list of gazetted urban areas and municipalities is now 4% of the value of the
property or land. This doubles the amount payable from the previous rate of 2%.
Stamp duty is tax that is imposed by the government on various legal instruments, including
instruments that affect property, assets and the transfer of land. Purchasers bear the obligation of
paying for stamp duty on the transfer of land. For example, when buying a house, apartment or piece
of land. The amount of stamp duty payable is calculated based on a percentage of the value of the
subject-matter.
The Ministry announced the new rates, which are to be implemented with immediate effect, via a
letter addressed to all Land Registrars on 5th April 2024. The directive will be implemented in various
cities and urban areas, such as Nakuru, Naivasha, Kiambu, Eldoret, Kisumu, Ngong, Kitengela and
Kajiado. We advise all affected parties, particularly those that are in the process of purchasing
property or land in these areas, to ensure they comply with the new directive.
Below is a table with the full list of Gazetted Urban Areas and Municipalities.
