Stamp Duty Calculator (Kenya)
Estimate 4% urban or 2% rural stamp duty on a land or property transfer — charged on the higher of the sale price and the government valuer’s figure.
Transfer details
Duty is charged on the higher of the price and this valuation.
Rates 4% urban / 2% rural (Stamp Duty Act). Assessed on Ardhisasa from 2026-02. Subject to change. Not legal advice.
Stamp duty payable
Ksh —
Enter a sale price.
- Dutiable value
- Ksh —
- Duty rate
- —
- Stamp duty
- Ksh —
- Other closing costs
- Ksh —
- Total estimated closing
- Ksh —
How stamp duty works in Kenya
Stamp duty is charged on the transfer instrument, not as a separate “land tax”. The usual rates are 4% in a municipality or gazetted urban area and 2% outside those areas. The base is the higher of the contract price and the government valuer’s figure. The buyer typically pays, within 30 days of execution, through Ardhisasa / Ardhi Pay.
Example: buy urban land for Ksh 5,000,000. Duty is 4% × 5,000,000 = Ksh 200,000. If the valuer assesses Ksh 6,000,000, duty rises to Ksh 240,000. Legal fees and searches are extra — type them in if you have quotes. Spouses and some family or AHP first-home transfers can be exempt; this tool does not apply exemptions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the stamp duty rate on land in Kenya? +
The usual rates under the Stamp Duty Act are 4% of the dutiable value for land in a municipality or gazetted urban area, and 2% for land outside those areas. Confirm the current rate with KRA or the Ministry of Lands before you pay — Finance Acts can change the schedule.
Is stamp duty charged on the sale price or the government valuation? +
On the higher of the two. If the government valuer’s figure is above your contract price, duty follows the valuation. This tool uses whichever figure is larger when you enter both.
Who pays stamp duty, and by when? +
The buyer usually pays. The instrument should be stamped within 30 days of execution. From February 2026 assessment and payment run through Ardhisasa / Ardhi Pay. Late stamping attracts penalties.
Does this include advocate fees? +
No. Stamp duty is only the 2% or 4% charge. Legal fees follow the Advocates Remuneration Order and are quoted by your advocate. Add legal, valuation and other costs in the optional fields if you have figures. Some transfers (for example between spouses) can be exempt — this estimate does not apply exemptions.
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