Illustrative GNSS RTK land survey in open terrain
Case Study • Cadastral Survey

Cadastral Survey Services in Kenya

Boundary survey, parcel demarcation and area determination for Plot No. KWA/1234 in Kwale, Kenya.

01 • Project Overview

Professional Cadastral Survey Services in Kenya

Skymap Africa Ltd was engaged by Joban Group Limited to undertake a cadastral survey for Plot No. KWA/1234 at Kwale, Kenya. The assignment focused on tracing and verifying parcel boundaries, checking boundary beacons, determining parcel area and preparing a cadastral plan with a coordinate schedule.

The survey workflow combined field reconnaissance, GNSS/RTK observations, total station measurements and boundary verification, with data processing and plan preparation to support land-development planning.

Key Project Details

Project Information
ClientJoban Group Limited
Plot NumberKWA/1234
LocationKwale, Kenya
Surveyed Area450,000 m² (45.000 ha)
GNSS/RTK Accuracy±10 mm horizontal, ±5 mm vertical (as provided)
Datum / ProjectionArc 1960 / UTM Zone 37S
Survey Date28 October 2026
45 haReported parcel area
8Boundary beacons reported
GNSS / RTKSurvey positioning
CAD-readyPlan & coordinate schedule
02 • Survey Methodology

A structured Cadastral field-to-deliverable workflow

Survey activities were organized to establish the available boundary evidence, record survey observations and prepare the parcel plan and supporting schedules.

STEP 01

Reconnaissance & Records Review

Review available cadastral information, inspect site access and identify boundary evidence.

STEP 02

Control Establishment

Confirm survey control and the coordinate reference system used for observations.

STEP 03

Boundary Survey

Observe boundary points using GNSS/RTK and total station methods where appropriate.

STEP 04

Processing & Plan Production

Check coordinates, compute parcel area and compile the cadastral plan and report.

03 • Survey Results

Cadastral Key findings and coordinate schedule

The figures below reproduce the values shown in the supplied report preview. Verify against the signed survey records before official use.

Key Findings

  • Parcel boundaries were reported as traced and demarcated.
  • A total of eight boundary beacons (B1–B8) were reported confirmed or established.
  • The reported parcel area is 450,000 m² (45.000 ha).
  • A cadastral plan and coordinate schedule were prepared.
Survey control: Arc 1960 / UTM Zone 37S is the coordinate reference system stated in the supplied report preview.

Coordinate Schedule (Arc 1960 / UTM Zone 37S)

Point IDEasting (m)Northing (m)
B1528,467.2359,268,421.779
B2529,134.8719,268,589.415
B3529,846.0199,268,257.456
B4529,971.6329,267,741.906
B5529,602.1179,267,085.430
B6528,946.5509,267,033.808
B7528,488.2969,267,418.623
B8528,334.6279,267,975.241
04 • Survey Visuals

Cadastral Parcel boundary and field observations

Two key visuals highlight the reported parcel outline and a typical instrument setup used during cadastral fieldwork.

Cadastral parcel boundary outline and area visual from the supplied report preview
Figure 1 — Cadastral parcel plan Boundary outline and reported parcel area. Use the approved signed plan for official cadastral purposes.
Surveyor using a total station in the field, as shown in the supplied report preview
Figure 2 — Field survey observations Survey instrument setup for boundary and detail observations.
05 • Deliverables

Cadastral Outputs prepared for project use

Subject to the agreed scope and applicable cadastral requirements, the report package may include:

Cadastral Plan

Parcel boundary representation, beacon positions and supporting plan information.

Coordinate Schedule

Boundary point identifiers with easting and northing values in the stated reference system.

Survey Report

Methodology, field observations, area computation, findings and supporting photographic record.

Frequently asked questions

Cadastral survey FAQs

What are the Common Cadastral Services?

• Mutation Surveys: Subdividing a land parcel into two or more parts.

• New Grant Surveys: Establishing land for new allocations or leases.

• Amalgamation: Combining two or more adjacent parcels into a single title.

• Sectional Property Surveys: Mapping multi-unit or apartment structures under the Sectional Properties Act.

• Wayleave & Easement Surveys: Delineating access or utility corridors.

What is the General Workflow for Land Subdivision / Cadastral Process?

1. Title Search: Conduct a search at the land registry or online via Ardhisasa to verify ownership and encumbrances.

2. Registry Index Map (RIM): Obtain the RIM and historical survey records from the Survey of Kenya.

3. Scheme Preparation: A physical planner drafts a subdivision scheme for PPA1 and PPA2 approvals with the county government.

4. Field Survey: A licensed land surveyor visits the ground to confirm or place boundary beacons using GPS or total stations.

5. Mutation Forms & Authentication: Mutation forms are signed, submitted, and authenticated by the Director of Surveys, leading to new parcel numbers and updated title issuance.

What are the Cadastral Boundary Systems in Kenya?

• Fixed Boundaries: Accurately measured and coordinated using mathematical bearings and distances, with corner points marked by permanent concrete beacons or iron pegs. Any lost beacon can be precisely re-established. These require examination and authentication by the Director of Surveys.

• General Boundaries: Boundaries defined approximately by physical features on the ground—such as hedges, ditches, walls, or fences—rather than exact mathematical coordinates. Common in first-registration rural areas under land adjudication processes.

• Fixed-General Boundaries: A hybrid system introduced to upgrade or convert general boundaries into fixed coordinates in areas where land values and market appreciation have risen significantly.

What are the Required Documents for cadastral survey in kenya?

1.Proof of Ownership:

• Original Title Deed or Certificate of Lease for the parcel.

• Official Land Search (CR12 / Form RL 26) conducted recently (usually within the last 6 months) to confirm the registered owner and check for encumbrances or cautions.

2.Personal Identification:

• Clear copy of the registered owner’s National ID or Passport.

• Copy of the owner’s KRA PIN Certificate.

3.Rates & Statutory Clearance:

• Rate Clearance Certificate (or latest land rates receipt) from the respective County Government showing no outstanding arrears.

4.Authorization & Instruction:

• Signed Letter of Instruction / Authorization from the registered owner granting the licensed surveyor permission to act on their behalf.

5.Planning & Board Approvals:

• PPA1 and PPA2 physical planning application and approval forms.

• Land Control Board (LCB) Consent (mandatory if the land is agricultural).

• Mutation Forms (signed in triplicate by the landowner and the licensed surveyor).

• Registry Index Map (RIM) or authentication slips obtained from the Survey of Kenya or via the digital Ardhisasa

6.Special Estate Documents (If Applicable):

• Grant of Probate, Letters of Administration, or spouse consent if the registered owner is deceased or the property is family/matrimonial land.

Planning a land or cadastral survey in Kenya?

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