Nairobi: The State Department for Lands and Physical Planning has achieved a significant milestone in the government’s digital transformation efforts with the introduction of a fully digital stamp duty processing system. This initiative marks a departure from the old manual stamp duty process, which was often fraught with delays and inefficiencies.
According to Kenya News Agency, the newly implemented system aims to improve service delivery, enhance efficiency, curb malpractice in land transactions, and bolster anti-corruption measures. Customers can now request assessments and make payments electronically through the National Stamp Duty Module (NSDM), integrated into the National Land Information Management System (Ardhisasa). Payments are facilitated through ArdhiPay, linked to the e-Citizen platform, ensuring seamless government revenue collection.
During the rollout event, Lands and Physical Planning Principal Secretary Generali Nixon Korir emphasized that the National Stamp Duty Module is a crucial step towards modernizing and simplifying land transaction procedures. “This platform is designed to enhance accuracy, accountability, and efficiency in stamp duty assessment and collection for property transfers,” he stated.
He further highlighted the comprehensive system development, extensive staff training, and stakeholder engagement that preceded the rollout of NSDM to ensure smooth adoption. All valuers and registrars in the live registries are now directed to process land transfer applications through the NSDM, adhering strictly to established protocols.
The NSDM is operational in 36 land registries nationwide, with plans for expansion to the remaining offices. Monica Obongo, Director of the National Land Information Management System, remarked that the module underscores the government’s commitment to digital public service delivery in the land sector. She noted that the system advances transparency and strengthens accountability through clear audit trails.
“The digital system enables real-time oversight and reduces transaction time frames, eliminating arbitrary interference and standardizing procedures nationwide,” Ms. Obongo explained. She also pointed out that this reform is pivotal in restoring public confidence and safeguarding government revenue.
Previously, stamp duty processing relied heavily on physical submissions and manual assessments, leading to errors and delays. The digital module addresses these issues with a secure, user-friendly platform that maintains professional and institutional oversight.
To support the effective adoption of this digital platform, the State Department, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the European Union (EU), conducted a comprehensive capacity-building program for officers across the country. The training sessions, held between August and November 2025, equipped officers with essential skills to operate the NSDM platform effectively.
The public and land sector professionals can now access stamp duty services remotely through the Ardhisasa System, cutting costs and streamlining processes. Users log into the platform, initiate transactions, and complete payments electronically through ArdhiPay. Successful transactions generate an electronic receipt, facilitating seamless processing.
The rollout of the Stamp Duty Module aligns with the Government’s digital transformation agenda and ongoing land governance reforms. The State Department encourages stakeholders and the public to embrace the new system, promising continuous improvements and prioritizing stakeholder engagement for efficient service delivery.