Buying unregistered land could get you into trouble

Majority of land in rural areas is not registered because the “owners” mainly inherited them. They lack title deeds to the land they “own” because they were never adjudicated and registered by the government. (PHOTO: MOSE SAMMY/ STANDARD)

I have identified a parcel of land which is both affordable and in a good location in my rural area. I am about to make a deposit to the seller as mutually agreed and pay the balance in installments. However, I have some reservations as the land is not registered by the Ministry of Lands although elders in the area have confirmed to me that the seller hails from the family that owned the land ancestrally. Can I proceed to buy the property? I would also appreciate your thoughts on merits of buying a registered property.

Patrick, Nyandarua