Why You Must Use a Registered Valuer in Kenya (And How to Verify One)

In the Kenyan real estate market, a property valuation from a registered valuer in Kenya is often the “final word.” It determines how much a bank will lend you, how much tax you owe the government, and the fair price at which you should sell your family home.

Because the stakes are so high, the profession is strictly regulated by the laws of Kenya. However, many property owners still fall into the trap of hiring “quacks”- unlicensed individuals who claim to be valuers but lack the legal authority, professional training, and indemnity insurance required to protect you.

Using an unregistered valuer isn’t just a mistake; it’s a massive financial risk. Here is everything you need to know about the law, the risks, and the simple steps to verify a professional.

The Law: The Valuers Act (Cap 532)

In Kenya, the valuation profession is governed by the Valuers Act, Chapter 532. This Act of Parliament was established to ensure that anyone providing valuation services is qualified, ethical, and accountable.

Under this Act, it is a criminal offense for any person to practice as a valuer, or even call themselves a valuer, unless they are registered and licensed by the Valuers Registration Board (VRB).

The Pillars of Professionalism: VRB and ISK

To understand how a valuer becomes “official,” you need to know these two organizations:

1. The Valuers Registration Board (VRB): This is the government’s regulatory body. Think of it as the “gatekeeper.” They issue the annual practicing licenses and have the power to discipline or de-register any valuer who engages in malpractice. If a person isn’t on the VRB list, their valuation report is essentially a piece of scrap paper in the eyes of the law.
2. The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK): This is the professional body. Before a valuer is registered by the VRB, they usually must be a member of the ISK. The ISK ensures that its members undergo continuous professional development and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics.

The 4 Major Risks of Using a “Quack”

Hiring an unregistered person because they are “cheaper” is a classic example of being penny-wise and pound-foolish. Here is what happens when you go the “unregistered” route:

• Bank Rejection: No reputable bank or financial institution in Kenya will accept a report from an unregistered valuer. If you pay a quack to value your land for a mortgage, you will eventually have to pay a second time for a real registered valuer.
• Legal Inadmissibility: If you are in court for a succession case, a divorce settlement, or a land dispute, an unregistered valuation report will be thrown out of court. It carries no weight as evidence.
• No Professional Indemnity: Registered valuers are required to have professional indemnity insurance. This means if they make a genuine professional error that causes you financial loss, you are protected. A quack has no insurance; if they vanish, your money vanishes with them.
• Negligence and Inaccuracy: Professional valuation is a science. Unregistered individuals often “guess” prices based on hearsay, leading to gross overvaluation (which kills your sale) or undervaluation (which loses you millions).

How to Verify a Registered Valuer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Don’t take someone’s word for it. Verification is quick and free. Here is how to ensure your valuer at Danco Limited, or anywhere else is the real deal:

1. Check the VRB Annual Gazette

Every year, the Valuers Registration Board publishes the “Annual List of Licensed Valuers” in the Kenya Gazette. You can ask the valuer to show you their name in the current year’s gazette, or search for the latest list on the VRB Website.

2. Ask for a Practicing Certificate

A registered valuer must have a valid practicing certificate for the current calendar year. Don’t be shy; ask to see it. It should feature their registration number and be stamped for the current year.

3. Verify via the ISK Directory

You can visit the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya website or offices at Reinsurance Plaza to check if the individual is a member in good standing.

Conclusion: Professionalism You Can Trust

At Danco Limited, we pride ourselves on strict adherence to the Valuers Act. Every valuation report we issue is prepared by registered, licensed professionals who understand the nuances of the Kenyan market and the requirements of the law.

When you hire a registered valuer, you aren’t just paying for a number on a page; you are paying for legal security, professional accountability, and peace of mind.