How to Check if a Valuer is Registered in Kenya (Registered Valuers & License Status Guide)

Engaging a property valuer is a critical step when buying, selling, refinancing, insuring, or resolving disputes involving real estate. A valuation report influences major financial decisions, and in most cases, it must meet strict professional and institutional requirements.

Because of the growing need for credibility and compliance, many property owners, investors, and institutions frequently look up for registered valuers in Kenya, valuer license status Kenya, VRB registered valuers, and the list of registered valuers Kenya before instructing any valuation assignment.

This blog explains the correct and professional process of confirming whether a valuer is registered and licensed to practice in Kenya.

Why It Is Important to Verify a Valuer’s Registration

A valuation report is not simply a price estimate. It is a professional opinion prepared using recognized valuation methods and market evidence, and it is relied upon by:

• banks and mortgage lenders

• insurance companies

• courts and legal practitioners

• government institutions

• investors and developers

A report prepared by an unregistered or unlicensed person may be rejected for mortgage processing, insurance claims, or court proceedings. This exposes clients to financial loss, delays, and avoidable disputes.

For this reason, confirming a valuer’s registration status is a necessary due diligence step before making payment or releasing property documents.

Who Regulates Property Valuers in Kenya?

Valuers in Kenya are regulated under the Valuers Act (Cap 532). The statutory body responsible for the registration and licensing of valuers is the:

Valuers Registration Board (VRB)

The VRB is mandated to:

• register valuers

• issue annual practising licences

• regulate professional conduct and reporting standards

• maintain an official register of practising valuers

• discipline valuers for misconduct or non-compliance

In simple terms, if a person claims to be a valuer, they must be recognized by the VRB and must hold a valid practising license.

How to Check if a Valuer is Registered in Kenya

Verifying a valuer is straightforward when you know what to request and what to confirm. The steps below apply whether you require a valuation for mortgage purposes, insurance reinstatement, rental assessment, sale, purchase, or litigation.

1. Ask for the VRB Registration Number

A registered property valuer should provide the following without hesitation:

• full official name

• VRB registration number

• name of the valuation firm (if applicable)

• current practising license status

If a valuer cannot provide a registration number or gives unclear credentials, it is advisable to pause the engagement until verification is completed.

2. Confirm the Valuer Appears in the Official Register

After obtaining the registration details, confirm the valuer’s name in the official register maintained by the Valuers Registration Board.

When confirming, ensure that the information matches:

• valuer’s full name

• member’s registration number

• License Status

• Year of License

This step is essential for clients seeking verified registered valuers in Kenya, especially when the valuation report is intended for bank financing or legal purposes.

3. Verify the Practising License Status

Registration alone is not enough. A valuer may be registered but not legally authorized to practice if their annual licence is expired or not renewed.

A valid practising license confirms that the valuer is currently authorized to provide valuation services during the particular year. This is especially important for:

• mortgage valuation reports

• court valuation reports

• insurance valuation reports

• compensation valuations

• forced sale valuations

If the practising license is not valid, the report may not be accepted by financial institutions and regulatory bodies.

4. Request Proof of a Current Practising Certificate

A professional valuer should be able to provide evidence of their practising certificate upon request.

A valid certificate typically contains:

• the valuer’s name

• license year / validity period

• registration reference details

• professional authorization

This is a key verification step when engaging a professional for a formal valuation report in Kenya, particularly where the valuation must meet institutional standards.

5. Confirm the Valuation Firm is Registered and Operational

Where the valuer is practicing under a company name, the valuation firm should also be legitimate and compliant.

A credible valuation firm should have:

• a physical office location

• official business registration details

• verifiable contact information

• professional letterheads and reporting format

• registered valuers within the firm

This is particularly important when dealing with corporate clients and individuals seeking trusted registered valuation firms in Kenya.

6. Check for Professional Standing and Industry Recognition

Many registered valuers in Kenya are also members of professional bodies such as the:

Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK)

While VRB registration is the primary legal requirement, professional membership often indicates commitment to professional ethics, continuous development, and industry accountability.

However, clients should note that professional membership does not replace the requirement for VRB registration and a valid practising license.

What a Professional Valuation Report Should Contain

Even after verifying the valuer’s registration, it is important to ensure the report meets acceptable professional standards.

A proper valuation report should include:

• valuation purpose (sale, mortgage, insurance, court, etc.)

• valuation basis (market value, forced sale value, reinstatement value)

• property description and location details

• site characteristics and improvements

• inspection date and valuation date

• methodology applied and market evidence

• comparable sales analysis

• assumptions and limiting conditions

• valuer’s signature and official stamp

• VRB registration number and practising license details

• firm’s official contacts and address

A report missing key professional elements may be unreliable and may not be accepted for bank lending or legal use.

Warning Signs of an Unregistered or Unlicensed Valuer

Clients should exercise caution if they encounter any of the following:

• refusal to provide registration details

• lack of a practising license certificate

• no physical office address or unclear business identity

• unusually cheap valuation fees without justification

• poorly structured reports with no market evidence

• valuation reports without signature, stamp, or professional identification

If any of these signs appear, it is advisable to seek an alternative professional.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Property Valuer

Before engaging a valuer, it is recommended to ask the following due diligence questions:

• Are you registered under the Valuers Registration Board (VRB)?

• What is your VRB registration number?

• Do you hold a valid practising license for the current year?

• Can you provide proof of registration and license status?

• Will your report be accepted by banks, courts, and insurance firms?

• Are you practicing under a registered valuation firm?

These questions help ensure the valuation report will be credible and institutionally acceptable.

Always Confirm Registered Valuers and License Status

Verifying a valuer’s registration and practising license status is one of the most important safeguards when dealing with property transactions in Kenya. A valuation report carries financial and legal weight, and it should only be prepared by a professional recognized under the Valuers Registration Board (VRB).

Whether the valuation is required for mortgage financing, insurance, court matters, property sale, rental assessment, or investment analysis, confirming the valuer’s registration and license status protects you from fraud, rejected reports, and costly disputes.

Need Professional Valuation Services in Kenya?

If you require a professional valuation report prepared in line with bank, insurance, and legal standards, always engage a registered valuation firm with verifiable credentials and proven market experience.