Makton Holdings Limited v Waweru; Chief Land Registrar & another (Interested Parties) (Environment & Land Case E008 of 2022) [2024] KEELC 3241 (KLR)
The bottom line
#A Nairobi court confirmed that a clean Kenyan Certificate of Title proves absolute land ownership, granting a permanent injunction against title impostors.
What this practically means
#Executive summary
#Key legal issues
#Whether the Plaintifi established legal ownership of the suit property
Yes - the Plaintifi's Certificate of Title and official search established it as absolute and indefeasible proprietor
Relying on Section 26 of the Land Registration Act, the court held that the Certificate of Title issued to the Plaintifi upon transfer was prima facie evidence of absolute and indefeasible ownership. The official search dated 17th January 2022 disclosed no encumbrances, conditions or restrictions on the register, and no overriding interests were shown. Under Section 24, the registered owner is entitled to all rights and privileges appurtenant to the land without interference.
Whether the Plaintifi is entitled to a permanent injunction
Yes - a permanent injunction issued restraining the Defendant from interfering with, trespassing on or dealing with the suit property
Having established indefeasible title and continued quiet possession, and given the Defendant's failed attempt to send persons onto the property and his evasive conduct, the court found the Plaintifi entitled to the permanent injunction sought in the Plaint. The Defendant did not enter appearance or file a defence, and the suit proceeded formally under Order 10 rule 9.
Whether general damages for trespass were payable
No - damages refused because the attempted invasion was repulsed and no actual trespass occurred
The sole witness confirmed that the Plaintifi successfully repulsed the invaders allegedly sent by the Defendant and retained possession throughout. In the absence of any actual entry upon or occupation of the land, no trespass was made out and the court declined to award general damages. Costs nonetheless followed the event in favour of the successful Plaintifi.
Legal principles established
#- A Certificate of Title issued by the Registrar upon registration or to a purchaser upon transfer is prima facie evidence that the person named as proprietor is the absolute and indefeasible owner of the land
- Registration as proprietor vests absolute ownership free from all interests and claims save for encumbrances on the register and overriding interests under Section 28
Court orders
#- 1.Declaration that the Plaintifi company is the legal owner of the suit property (Title No. 67822/1, L.R. No. 7785/554)
- 2.Permanent injunction restraining the Defendant, by himself, servants, agents, employees or any other person from interfering with, trespassing, or in any other way dealing with the suit property or passing off or otherwise claiming proprietary interest over it
- 3.Costs of the suit awarded to the Plaintifi against the Defendant
- 4.Copy of the judgment to be served upon the Director of Criminal Investigations for thorough investigations and prosecution of the culprits
- Jurisdiction invoked
- Original civil jurisdiction over land claims (plaint filed under the Civil Procedure Rules; suit heard under O.10 rule 9 of the Civil Procedure Rules)
Key timeline
#Practical implications
#Frequently asked questions
#Cite this brief
#Cite this brief
Caselaw, "Makton Holdings Limited v Waweru; Chief Land Registrar & another (Interested Parties) (Environment & Land Case E008 of 2022) [2024] KEELC 3241 (KLR)", Case Analysis (2024). Not stated in the judgment text provided. Source: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/keelc/2024/3241/eng@2024-04-09
Suggested citation format for research notes or client memos. Always verify the original judgment before relying on any point.