Estate Agents Networking Group (EANG) Condemns Home Buying Scams and Calls for Public Vigilance

EANG reaffirms commitment to ethical practices and urges Kenyans to work only with registered estate agents

NAIROBI, Kenya – June 5, 2025 – The Estate Agents Networking Group (EANG) strongly condemns the fraudulent home buying schemes exposed in yesterday’s Daily Nation headlines, which have defrauded thousands of Kenyans – particularly those in the diaspora and retirees – of millions of shillings.

EANG acknowledges the immense pain, frustration, and financial devastation experienced by victims of these elaborate scams. Many of these victims trusted their life savings to promises of decent housing, only to find themselves with empty plots, incomplete structures, or no property at all.

Standing Against Fraud

“The real estate sector’s reputation has been severely damaged by these unscrupulous individuals who prey on Kenyans’ legitimate dreams of homeownership,” said Wambui Anne Gaitha, speaking for the organization. “These fraudsters are not representative of the professional, registered estate agents who form the backbone of Kenya’s legitimate real estate industry.”

EANG emphasizes that the perpetrators of these scams typically operate outside the regulatory framework established by the Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB). Registered estate agents are bound by strict ethical standards, professional codes of conduct, and regulatory oversight that provide crucial consumer protection.

Red Flags Every Kenyan Should Know

EANG advises the public to be wary of the following:

• Aggressive marketing campaigns promising unrealistic returns or “too good to be true” deals.
• Pressure to pay large deposits or make continuous payments without clear documentation.
• Use of celebrity endorsements or high-profile personalities to build false credibility.
• Reluctance to provide proper documentation or official title search results.
• Vague explanations about project delays or sudden relocations.
• Developers or agents not registered with EARB and lacking verifiable track records.

EANG’s Commitment to Transparency

As a professional body, EANG commits to the following actions:

1. Enhanced Public Education – Continuous campaigns to educate the public on safe property investment.
2. Professional Accountability – Support investigations and hold fraudulent operators accountable.
3. Regulatory Compliance – Ensure all EANG members meet the highest standards of professionalism.
4. Victim Support – Advocate for better consumer protection and support for affected families.

Essential Steps for Safe Property Investment

EANG strongly recommends that all prospective buyers:

• Verify the agent’s registration status with the Estate Agents Registration Board

(EARB).

• Conduct official title searches via the Ministry of Lands or Ardhisasa platform.
• Engage qualified legal professionals for all transactions.
• Inspect the property physically and verify all documentation independently.
• Avoid cash payments; use traceable and secure payment methods.
• Investigate the company background through official registration platforms.

Call for Industry Reform

EANG calls upon relevant authorities, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations

(DCI), the Ministry of Lands, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to:

• Strengthen regulatory oversight of real estate investment schemes.
• Fast-track digitization of land records to prevent document forgery.
• Implement stricter penalties for fraudulent real estate operators.
• Establish clear consumer protection mechanisms for property buyers particularly those in the diaspora.