Real Estate License in Kenya
What is EARB — and Why Does It Matter?
The Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Lands, Housing & Urban Development. It regulates all real estate professionals in Kenya.
🔍 EARB’s Mandate:
- Register and license estate agents & firms
- Set ethical & professional standards
- Handle complaints & discipline offenders
- Maintain a public register of licensed agents
➡️ Official Website: www.earb.go.ke
➡️ Contact: info@earb.go.ke | 0720 500 555
🚀 Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Real Estate License in Kenya (2025)
✅ STEP 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
You must be:
- A Kenyan citizen or legal resident (with valid work permit)
- At least 18 years old
- Of good moral character (no fraud or felony convictions)
- Proficient in English or Swahili
🎓 No formal education is required — but a KCSE certificate or higher is recommended.
✅ STEP 2: Complete EARB-Accredited Training (MANDATORY)
As of 2025, all new applicants must complete a 3-month accredited training course before applying.
📚 Approved Training Providers:
- Kenya School of Real Estate (KSRE) — Nairobi, Mombasa, Online
→ www.ksre.ac.ke | Ksh 25,000 - Real Estate Institute of Kenya (REIK) — Nairobi
→ www.reik.or.ke | Ksh 28,000 - Property Institute of East Africa (PIEA) — Online & In-Person
→ www.piea.ac.ke | Ksh 22,000
💡 Course covers: Property Law, Ethics, Marketing, Contracts, Land Transactions. Ends with EARB exam.
✅ STEP 3: Pass the EARB Licensing Exam
- Administered by your training provider at the end of the course
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- Passing score: 65%
- Retakes allowed (Ksh 2,000 per attempt)
📝 Exam topics: Land Act, Land Registration Act, EARB Code of Conduct, Agency Law, Valuation Basics
✅ STEP 4: Gather Required Documents
Prepare scanned copies of:
- National ID or Alien Card (front & back)
- KRA PIN Certificate
- Certificate of Good Conduct (from eCitizen → Police) — Ksh 1,050
- Training Completion Certificate + Exam Pass Slip
- Passport Photo (white background)
- Proof of Physical Office or Agency Affiliation (letter from broker/agency)
- Bank Slip for Application Fee (see Step 5)
✅ STEP 5: Submit Online Application & Pay Fees
➡️ Go to: https://earb.go.ke/apply-for-license/
➡️ Create account → Fill form → Upload documents → Pay fees
💰 Licensing Fees (2025):
| Application Fee | 5,000 |
| License Issuance Fee | 10,000 |
| Annual Renewal Fee | 7,500 (due every June 30) |
💳 Pay via M-Pesa (Paybill 510510, Account: EARB-[YourName]) or bank deposit.
✅ STEP 6: Wait for Approval (7–14 Days)
- EARB reviews your application
- You’ll receive email/SMS notification
- Download your digital license from your EARB portal
- Physical certificate available for pickup in Nairobi (optional)
✅ Check your status anytime: https://earb.go.ke/license-status/
✅ STEP 7: Display & Renew Your License
✔️ Display your license number on all ads, social media, business cards
✔️ Renew annually by June 30 — late fee: Ksh 2,000/month
✔️ Complete 16 hours of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) every 2 years
📅 CPD providers: REIK, KSRE, PIEA — topics include digital marketing, new laws, ethics refreshers.
💼 What You Can Do With an EARB License
With your license, you can legally:
- List, market, and sell residential or commercial property
- Negotiate leases and collect rent (as property manager)
- Represent buyers or sellers in transactions
- Work independently or under a licensed agency
- Join professional associations (REIK, ICREA)
⚠️ You CANNOT: Give legal advice, draft sale agreements (unless a lawyer), or practice valuation (requires IAVK license).
🚫 Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
- ❌ Submitting blurry or incomplete documents
- ❌ Forgetting Certificate of Good Conduct
- ❌ Paying fees to wrong Paybill or without correct account name
- ❌ Applying without accredited training certificate
- ❌ Using fake agency affiliation letter
🛡️ Pro Tip: Call EARB at 0720 500 555 before submitting if unsure — they’re helpful!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I get a license without joining an agency?
A: Yes — but you must provide proof of a physical office (lease agreement or utility bill). Home addresses are accepted if registered.
Q: How long is the license valid?
A: 1 year — renewable every June 30. Lapsed licenses require reapplication + penalty.
Q: Can foreigners get licensed?
A: Yes — with a valid work permit and alien ID. Must complete training and pass exam like locals.
Q: Is there a license for property managers?
A: Yes — same EARB license covers agents, brokers, and property managers. No separate category.
Q: What if my license is suspended or revoked?
A: Common reasons: fraud, misrepresentation, failure to renew. You can appeal to EARB within 30 days.