Illegal land surveyors under spotlight as Board issues public warning

Land Surveyors’ Board chairman and surveys director Weldon Maritim during a past event/COURTESY

The Land Surveyors’ Board has cautioned members of the public against engaging unqualified individuals to undertake land surveying work, warning that the practice is illegal and exposes landowners to fraud, disputes, and financial losses.

It noted that anyone conducting surveying work without a valid practising licence is operating unlawfully.

The Board explained that licensed surveyors are mandated to undertake duties such as determining land boundaries, preparing survey maps and registration plans, and processing survey data.

It warned that hiring unqualified persons could lead to falsified survey records, ownership disputes, costly court battles, delayed approvals, and significant financial losses.

The notice further revealed that some individuals have been masquerading as professional surveyors to defraud unsuspecting Kenyans.

The Board also warned that licensed surveyors who allow unqualified persons to operate under their names risk facing legal action, fines, imprisonment, or both.

Speaking on the notice, Land Surveyors’ Board chairman and Director of Surveys Weldon Maritim, stressed that land surveying is a regulated profession and urged Kenyans to only seek services from licensed practitioners.

“Very soon, the Board will undertake a post-audit review of the register of licensed land surveyors to identify and eliminate any irregularities in its operations,” said Maritim.

He added that restoring integrity in the surveying profession requires broader reforms beyond dealing with illegal practitioners.

“The fight against graft should not only target quacks and illegal practitioners, but must also focus on strengthening the Board’s internal operations,” he said.

The Board advised the public to verify whether a surveyor is duly registered before engaging their services, noting that confirmation can be done through its online register.

It also called on unlicensed practitioners to regularise their status and comply with the law.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on illegal surveying activities in a bid to protect the public and uphold professionalism in the land surveying sector.

The warning comes amid rising cases of land fraud and boundary disputes reported in different parts of the country.

Many landowners have allegedly fallen victim to fake surveyors who disappear after receiving payment, leaving behind inaccurate or incomplete work that often sparks conflicts and delays land transactions.

According to the Board, land surveying remains a critical component of land ownership and development, making it necessary for Kenyans to engage qualified professionals to safeguard their investments and avoid unnecessary legal disputes.