Act No: CAP. 533
Act Title: ESTATE AGENTS
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION
Arrangement of Sections
THE ESTATE AGENTS (FORMS AND FEES) RULES
1.

These Rules may be cited as the Estate Agents (Forms and Fees) Rules.

2.

The application for registration as an estate agent in accordance with section 13(1) of the Act shall be in Form I set out in the First Schedule.

3.

The register of estate agent to be maintained by the registrar under section 7(1) of the Act shall be in Form II set out in the First Schedule.

4.

The certificate of registration to be issued to a person whose name has been entered in the register in accordance with section 8(1) of the Act shall be in Form III set out in the First Schedule.

5.

An application for an inquiry in accordance with sections 16(2) and 23(1) of the Act shall be in Form IV set out in the First Schedule.

6.

An application for restoration of the name on the register pursuant to section 24 of the Act shall be in Form V set out in the First Schedule.

7.

The application for renewal of registration shall be in Form VI set out in the First Schedule.

7A.

The annual practising certificate shall be in Form VII set out in the First Schedule.

[L.N. 35/1989, r. 2.]

8.

The fees set on the Second Schedule shall be payable in respect of the matters set out therein.

FIRST SCHEDULE

Form 1

(r. 2)

ESTATE AGENTS ACT

[Cap. 533]

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AS AN ESTATE AGENT

The Registrar,Estate Agents Registration Board,P.O. Box .............................Nairobi.

Passport sizePhotograph☐

A – GENERAL INFORMATION

Main name .....................................................

(BLOCK CAPITALS)

Other names ..............................................

(BLOCK CAPITALS)

2. Postal address ..................................................Residential address .............................................House No. ......................................... etc.Office physical address ................................................................................Office telephone No. ............................................

3. Date of birth .......................................

4. Nationality and citizenship ..............................................

(Please tick as applicable)

a) By birth ..................................... ☐b)By naturalization........................... ☐In each case please attach the following:(i)Your current passport size photo(ii) Copy of your identity card or birth certificate

B- EDUCATIONAL PARTICULARS

//Read carefully before completing all sectionsCopies of relevant leaving certificates, qualifications and testimonials must be attached in each case //

1.Secondary schools attended:(a)(i) Name ........................................................(ii) Address ......................................................(iii) Period from ................................. to ...............(b)(i) Name ........................................................(ii) Address ......................................................(iii) Period from ................................. to ...............

2.Colleges attended:(a)(i) Name ........................................................(ii) Address ......................................................(iii) Period from ................................. to ...............(b)(i) Name ........................................................(ii) Address ......................................................(iii) Period from ................................. to ...............

3. Universities attended(a)(i) Name ........................................................(ii) Address ......................................................(iii) Period from ................................. to ...............(b)(i) Name ........................................................(ii) Address ......................................................(iii) Period from ................................. to ...............

Membership of professional institutions:(a)(i) Name ...........................................(ii) Date of registration ......................(b)(i) Name ...........................................(ii) Date of registration ......................

C – EXPERIENCE AND EMPLOYMENT

(a)(i) Name of Employer ................................(ii) Address ....................................................................................(iii) Period from ............................. to .........................(b)(i) Name of Employer ................................(ii) Address ....................................................................................(iii) Period from ............................. to .........................(c)(i) Name of Employer ................................(ii) Address ....................................................................................(iii) Period from ............................. to .........................

D – SELF EMPLOYMENT

(a) (i) Name of Company ..............................(ii) Address ..............................................................................................(iii) Period from .............................. to .....................

E. PRACTICE IN ESTATE AGENCY(Please enclose a certified copy of certificate of registration in each case)1. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANYName of Company ..............................Address ..............................................................................................Period from .............................. to .....................Names and addresses of the directors:1. ................................................2. ................................................3. ................................................4. ................................................2.PARTNERSHIPName .......................................................Address .................................................Period from ...................... to ....................Names and address of the partners:1. ................................................2. ................................................3. ................................................4. ................................................3.SOLE PROPRIETORSHIPName ......................................Address ..............................................Period from ................ to ...............

1. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY(a)(i) Name ........................................................(ii) Address ......................................................(iii) Period from ................................. to ...............Names and addresses of the directors:1. .............................................................................2. ............................................................................3. ............................................................................4. ............................................................................

2.PARTNERSHIP(a)(i) Name ........................................................(ii) Address ................................................................................................................(iii) Period from ................................. to ...............Names and addresses of the directors:1. .............................................................................2. ............................................................................3. ............................................................................4. ............................................................................

3. SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP(a)(i) Name ........................................................(ii) Address ................................................................................................................(iii) Period from ................................. to ...............

F. OTHER BUSINESS PRACTICES(Give the names and addresses of all other business practices you are currently involved in)

1. Name ........................................................Address ................................................................................................................Period from ................................. to ...............2.Name ........................................................Address ................................................................................................................Period from ................................. to ...............

G – OTHER GROUNDS TO SUPPORT YOUR APPLICATIONGive name and address of an official referee who knows your background history well, e.g. magistrate, chief or assistant chief of your area

1. .............................................................................2. ............................................................................3. ............................................................................

H. — BANKRUPTCY OR CONVICTION

Have you ever been declared bankrupt or convicted of any offence involving fraud or dishonesty?

Please tick as appropriateYes ☐ No. ☐

I, enclose herewith banker’s cheque, money order payable o the Estate Agents Registration Board for Sh. 3,300, which I understand is not refundable.

H. — BANKRUPTCY OR CONVICTION

Have you ever been declared bankrupt or convicted of any offence involving fraud or dishonesty? Please tick as appropriate Yes ☐ No. ☐

I, enclose herewith banker’s cheque, money order payable to the Estate Agents Registration Board for Sh. 3,300, which I understand is not refundable.

J. DECLARATIONI, declare that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any statement contained in this application which is found to be false shall invalidate this application. I have read the Estate Agents Act (Cap. 533) understood it and undertake to be bound by the Act and any amendments thereto or replacement thereof so long as I am a registered estate agent.

Applicant’s signature ...............................Date ..................................................Witness: Full name (Please print) .....................Address ......................................................................................................................................Telephone ........................................Signature .....................................FOR OFFICIAL USEApplication No. ...................................................Date acknowledged ...................................................Approved/rejected minute No. ...................................................Date notification sent ...................................................Gazette Notice No. ...................................................Certificate despatched ...................................................Certificate acknowledged ...................................................Registrar’s signature ..................................Date ........................................................Date received ..............................................Receipt No. .........................Date ...................Deferred Minute No. .....................................Registration No. .......................................Board member’s signature ..............................Date .........................................................Chairman’s signature ...................................Date .........................................................

Form II

(r. 3)

REGISTER OF ESTATE AGENTS

No.

Full Name

Address

BasicQualification

Date ofRegistration

Date and No. of Original Registration

Remarks

__________________

Form III

(r. 4)

ESTATE AGENTS ACT(Cap. 533)

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS AN ESTATE AGENT

Mr./Mrs./Miss ........................................

(Full name in BLOCK LETTERS)

has been registered as an Estate Agent in accordance with the provisions of section 8(1) of the Estate Agents Act.

Dated the ....................... 19 ............

Seal of the Board

...............................................................

...............................................................

Chairman

Member Estate Agents

Estate Agents Registration Board.

Registration Board.

_________________

Form IV

(r. 5)

ESTATE AGENTS(Cap. 533)

THE ESTATE AGENTS REGISTRATION BOARD APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL

The Registrar,

Estate Agents Registration Board,

P.O. Box ........................

Nairobi.

1.

Main name .............................................

(BLOCK CAPITALS)

Other names ......................................................

(BLOCK CAPITALS)

2.

Postal address ..............................................

Residential address .................................................

House No. .................................................. etc.

Office physical address ..............................................

................................................................

Attached herewith is:

a.

My cheque/money order for Sh. ...............................

b.

My current indeminity bond or policy of insurance.

Signed .............................

________________________

Form V

(r. 6)

ESTATE AGENTS ACT

[Cap. 533]

APPLICATION FOR AN INQUIRY

[L.N. 35/1989, r. 3.]

Mr./Mrs./Miss .......................................................

Address ..............................................................

Dear Sir/Madam,

On behalf of the Estate Agents Registration Board, notice is given to you that in consequent of a complaint made to the Board against your/information received by the Board an inquiry is to be held into the following complaint against you.

If the complaint relates to a conviction:

That you were on the ................... day of ................... at ............................. (specify court recording conviction) ............................... convicted of ........................................... (set out particulars of the conviction in sufficient detail to identify the case).

OR

If the complaint relates to conduct

That being registered under the Act you ...................... (set out briefly the facts alleged) ................................. and that in relation to the facts alleged you have been guilty of infamous conduct in a professional respect.

Where there is more than one complaint, the complaints are to be stated consecutively (complaints relating to convictions being set out before complaints relating to conduct).

Notice is further given to you that on ................ day of ....................... 20 ............. a meeting of the Board will be held at .............................. Nairobi at ................... a.m./p.m. to consider the above complaint/complaints against you to determine whether or not the Board should direct the registrar to remove your name from the register pursuant to rules 16(2) and 23(1) of the Estate Agents Rules, 1984.

You are hereby invited to answer in writing the above mentioned complaint and also to appear in person before the Board at the place, date and time specified above for the purpose of answering the complaint. You may bring your advocate with you. The Board has power to hear and decide upon the complaint in your absence if you do not appear.

Any answer, admission or other statement or communication which you may desire to make with respect to the said complaint should be addressed to the chairman of the Board.

If you desire to make any application that the inquiry should be postponed you should send the application to the secretary of the Board as soon as possible, stating the grounds upon which you desire postponment.

Dated the .......................... 20 ............

.................................................

Registrar of the Board.

_________________

Form VI

(r. 7)

ESTATE AGENTS ACT

[Cap. 533]

APPLICATION FOR RESTORATION OF NAME IN THE REGISTER

[L.N. 35/1989, r. 3.]

Note: (This declaration must be made before an estate agent of not less than 10 years experience and of good standing).

I, the undersigned ......................................................

of (address) .............................................................

now holding the qualification(s) of .....................................

do solemnly and sincerely declare as follows:

1.

I am the person formerly registered as an estate agent under the name of ...............................................................

and the qualification(s) of ................................................

registration number ................................................

and I hereby apply for the restoration of my name in the register.

2.

In an inquiry held on the .............................. day of ...................... 20 ............. at ........................................................ (place) the Board directed removal of my name for the following reasons ....................................................

3.

Since the removal of my name from the register, I have been residing at ......................................... and my occupation has been ........................................

4.

It is my intention if my name is restored on the register to engage in private practice/to be employed, (others specify).

5.

The grounds of my application are ................................

6.

Names and address of my referees:

(a)

................................................................

(b)

..................................................................

(c)

...................................................................

Declared at ........................... Signed ...........................

on ................................... Date ............................

Before me .............................................

(full name)

Signed ...............................................

Name of practitioner in full and registration/date of qualification.

Date ............................................................

__________________

Form VII

(r. 7(a))

ESTATE AGENTS ACT

[Cap. 533]

THE ESTATE AGENTS REGISTRATION BOARD
ANNUAL PRACTISING CERTIFICATE

[L.N. 35/1989, r. 3.]

I hereby certify that ..........................................

has renewed his certificate to practise as an Estate Agent for the current year ending 31st day of December, 20 Dated at Nairobi this ....................................... day of ................... 20 ............

.................................................

REGISTRAR,

Estate Agents Registration Board.

THE ESTATE AGENTS (DEPOSIT INTEREST) RULES
1.

These Rules may be cited as the Estate Agents (Deposit Interest) Rules.

2.

In these Rules “separate designated account” means a deposit account in the name of the estate agent or his company in title of which the word “client” appears as to the identity of the client or matter concerned.

3.

Except as provided by these Rules an estate agent is not liable by virtue of the relation between the estate agent and the client to account to the client for the interest received by the estate agent on moneys deposited in a client account being moneys received or held for or on account of his clients generally.

4.

When an estate agent holds or receives for or an account of a client money on which, having regard to all circumstances (including the amount and the length of time for which the money is likely to be held), interest ought in fairness to the client to be earned for him, the estate agent shall take instructions from the client concerning the investment of that money.

5.

An estate agent is liable to account to a client for interest received on moneys deposited in a client account where the moneys are deposited in a separate designated account.

THE ESTATE AGENTS (DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS) (PROCEDURE) RULES

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

PART I – PRELIMINARY

1.

Citation

2.

Interpretation

PART II – PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO CONVICTION AND PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT

3.

Preliminary inquiry committee

4.

Functions of the preliminary inquiry committee

5.

Submission of complaints, etc.

6.

Procedure in cases relating to conviction

7.

Procedure in cases relating to conduct

8.

Procedure where an estate agent admits the charge

9.

Procedure in cases relating both to conviction and to conduct

10.

Joint inquiries, etc.

PART III – PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR RESTORATION

11.

Application for restoration

12.

Adjournment or proceedings

13.

Proceedings be in camera

14.

Summons at proceedings

15.

Notes taken at proceedings

16.

Venue of meetings

17.

Service of documents

18.

Evidence

SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE —

WITNESS SUMMONS

THE ESTATE AGENTS (DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS) (PROCEDURE) RULES
PART I – PRELIMINARY
1.
Citation

These Rules may be cited as the Estate Agents (Disciplinary Proceedings)(Procedure) Rules.

2.
Interpretation

In these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires—

"complaint" means a case where it is alleged that a practising estate agent has been convicted of an offence under the Act or under the Penal Code (Cap. 63);

"charge" means a charge or charges to be specified in a notice of inquiry;

"complainant" means a person who makes a complaint to the Board;

"Board’s advocate" means an advocate appointed by the Board to assist in conducting a inquiry under these Rules;

"professional misconduct" means serious misconduct judged by the statement published by the Board pursuant to section 21(1) of the Act and all rules, which govern the practice of estate agency;

"inquiry" means a disciplinary inquiry into the conduct of an estate agent held by the Board sitting as a tribunal;

"notice of inquiry" means a written and signed notice from the Board which is sent to an estate agent specifying, in the form of a charge of charges, matters upon which the inquiry is to be held, and stating the date, time and place where the inquiry is to be held.

PART II – PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO CONVICTION AND PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT
3.
Preliminary inquiry committee
(1)

There is hereby established a committee to be known as the Preliminary Inquiry Committee which shall consist of five members elected from the members of the Board.

(2)

The chairperson of the Board shall also be the chairperson of the Preliminary Inquiry Committee and shall convene the meeting of the Committee as and when necessary.

4.
Functions of the preliminary inquiry committee
(1)

The functions of the Preliminary Inquiry Committee shall be to receive and review complaints against an estate agent and to determine and report to the Board whether an inquiry should be held pursuant to sections 18(2) and 23(1) of the Act in respect of the estate agent.

(2)

Subject to paragraph (1), the Preliminary Inquiry Committee after considering the complaint and making such inquires with respect thereto as it may think fit, shall—

(a)

if of the opinion that the complaint does not warrant reference to the Board for inquiry, reject the complaint and so inform the Board;

(b)

if of the opinion that the complaint does warrant reference to the Board, cause it to be referred to the Board, together with its findings and recommendations.

(3)

For the purposes of enabling the Preliminary Inquiry Committee to carry out its functions under these Rules, the committee may correspond with persons, including the estate agents to whom the complaint relates, as it thinks fit and may peruse or inspect all documents relating to the complaint.

5.
Submission of complaints, etc.
(1)

Whenever a complaint or information is received by the chairperson from a body or person and it appears to him that—

(a)

an estate agent has been convicted of an offence under this Act or under the Penal Code (Cap. 63); or

(b)

that a question arises whether the conduct of an estate agent constitutes serious professional misconduct, the chairperson shall submit the matter to the Preliminary Inquiry Committee.

(2)

When the Preliminary Inquiry Committee refers the complaint to the Board under rule 4(2)(b), the chairperson shall send to the estate agent to whom the complaint relates a notice of inquiry which shall—

(a)

be in Form IV in the First Schedule to the Estate Agents (Forms and Fees) Rules, 1986 (L.N. 290/1986) and shall, unless the Board otherwise directs, require the party to whom it is addressed to furnish the chairperson and every other party a notice of all the documents which he intends to rely on at the hearing;

(b)

set out, in general terms, the charge or charges of professional misconduct made against the estate agent; and

(c)

specify the date and time and the place at which the inquiry is proposed to be held.

(3)

The notice of inquiry shall be sent to the estate agent by registered post addressed to his last known address as notified to the registrar or by any other means approved by the Board.

(4)

In any case where there is a complaint, a copy of the notice of inquiry shall be sent to him.

6.
Procedure in cases relating to conviction
(1)

In case relating to condition, where the estate agent appears, the following order of proceedings shall be observed as respects proof of convictions alleged in the charge or charges—

(a)

the complainant, or if a complainant does not appear or there is no complainant, the Board’s advocate shall adduce evidence of the conviction and produce before the Board a certified copy of the court proceedings which resulted in the conviction of the estate agent;

(b)

if, as regards a conviction, no evidence is adduced, the chairperson shall thereupon announce that the conviction has not been approved;

(c)

the chairperson shall ask the estate agent whether he admits each previous conviction of which evidence is so adduced;

(d)

if the estate agent does not admit all the convictions, he may, if he intends to adduce other oral evidence as respects any conviction which he does not admit either in person or by his advocate, open his case;

(e)

the estate agent or his advocate, as the case may be, may adduce evidence in respect of any conviction which he does not admit;

(f)

at the close of the evidence for the estate agent, the complainant or the Board’s advocate, as the case may be, may with the leave of the Board, adduce evidence to rebut any evidence adduced by the estate agent;

(g)

The estate agent or his advocate may then address the Board and close his case.

(2)

Where the estate agent does not appear and the Board has decided to proceed with the inquiry, subparagraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph (1) shall apply but the remainder of that paragraph shall not apply.

(3)

On the conclusion of the proceedings under this rule the Board shall consider every conviction alleged in the charge or charges, other than a conviction which has been admitted by the estate agent, and shall determine whether it has been proved and the chairperson shall determine whether it has been proved and the chairperson shall then announce its determination in such terms as the board may approve.

7.
Procedure in cases relating to conduct
(1)

In all cases relating to conduct where the estate agent appears the following order of proceedings shall apply—

(a)

it the complainant appears, he shall open the case against the estate agent or where the complainant does not appear or there is no complainant, the Board’s advocate shall present all the facts on which the complainant or information is based;

(b)

the complainant or the Board’s advocate, as the case may be, may address the Board and adduce evidence of the facts alleged in the charge or charges;

(c)

If as respects any change no evidence is adduced, the Board shall announce a finding that the estate agent is not guilty of infamous or disgraceful conduct in a professional respect as alleged in the charge or charges;

(d)

at the close of the case against him the estate agent or his advocate may make either one or both of the following submissions as respects any charge which remain outstanding namely—

(i) that no sufficient evidence has been adduced upon which the Board could find that the facts alleged have been proved.
(ii) that the facts of which evidence has been adduced are insufficient to support a finding of infamous or disgraceful conduct in a professional respect;

and where any such submission is made, the complainant or the Board’s advocate, as the case may be, may answer the submission and the estate agent or his advocate may reply thereto;

(e)

if a submission is made under paragraph (d), the Board shall consider and determine whether the submission should be upheld and if the Board determines to uphold such a submission as regards any charge, it shall record, and the chairperson shall announce, that the estate agent is not guilty of infamous or disgraceful conduct in a professional respect in respect of the matters to which that charge relates;

(f)

the estate agent may then, if he intends to adduce oral evidence in addition to his own evidence, open his case upon any charge which remains outstanding;

(g)

at the close of the evidence for the estate agent the complaint or the Board’s advocate, as the case may be, may with leave of the Board, adduce evidence to rebut any evidence adduced by the estate agent;

(h)

the complainant, or the Board’s advocate, as the case may be, may then address the Board and close his case.

(2)

The estate agent or his advocate may then address the Board and close his case.

(3)

Where in a case relating to conduct the estate agent does not appear the Board decides to proceed with the inquiry only subparagraphs (a), (b) and (c) of paragraph (1) shall apply.

(4)

on conclusion of the proceedings under paragraph (1) the Board shall consider and determine, as respects each charge which remains outstanding which, if any, of the facts alleged in the charge has been proved to their satisfaction.

(5)

if under paragraph (3) the Board decides, as regards any charge, either that none of the facts alleged in the charge have been proved would be insufficient to support a finding of misconduct in a professional respect, the Board shall record a finding that the estate agent as the case may be, is not guilty of the misconduct alleged in the charge or charges.

(6)

The chairperson shall announce determination or the finding of the Board after the procedure prescribed under this rule has been complied with.

8.
Procedure where an estate agent admits the charge
(1)

Where in case relating to conduct or conviction the estate agent admit at the opening of the inquiry all the facts alleged in any charge or charges against him, the chairperson shall thereupon announce that the facts alleged in such charge or charges have been proved.

(2)

the complainant or the Board’s advocate, as the case may be, shall address the Board and may adduce evidence as to the circumstance leadings up to the charge or charges and the character and previous history of the estate agent.

(3)

The Board shall consider then invite the estate agent or his advocate to address it by way of mitigation.

(4)

The Board shall consider and determine the charge or charges and announce their determination or finding.

9.
Procedure in cases relating both to conviction and to conduct

Where the estate agent is alleged to have been convicted of any offence under this Act or the Penal Code (Cap. 63) and also to have been guilty of misconduct in a professional respect, the Board shall first deal with the charge or charges relating to conviction before dealing with charge or charges relating to conduct; and in both cases the provisions or rules 6 and 7 shall apply respectively.

10.
Joint inquiries, etc.
(1)

Nothing in these Rules shall be construed as preventing an inquiry being held jointly into charges against two or more estate agents.

(2)

where a joint inquiry is held, the provisions of these Rules shall apply subject to the necessary adaptations and any directions which may be given by the Board.

PART III – PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR RESTORATION
11.
Application for restoration
(1)

An application for restoration of the name of estate agent on the register or the restoration of a licence after removal or cancellation pursuant to section 16 and 23 of the Act shall be in Form VI set out in the First Schedule to the Estate Agents (Forms and Fees) Rules (sub. leg).

(2)

All applications for restoration of the name on the register shall be accompanied by a certificate of identity and good character in Form V set out in the Schedule to the Estate Agents (Forms and Fees) Rules (sub. leg) and signed by an estate of at least ten years standing.

(3)

The Estate agent making an application under paragraph (1) shall give the names of three referees, two of whom shall be estate agents of at least ten years experience and of good repute and social statues, to whom the Board can send a request for information about the character, habits and conduct of the applicant during the period of suspension.

(4)

At the hearing of the application the following procedure shall be followed—

(a)

the registrar shall state to the Board the circumstances in which the applicant’s name was removed or erased from the register and shall adduce evidence as to the conduct of the estate agent since that time;

(b)

the chairperson shall then invite the applicant to address the Board if he so wishes, and adduce evidence as to his conduct since his name was erased from the register;

(c)

the Board may, if it thinks fit, receive oral or written observation on the applicant from any body or person whose complaint resulted in the applicant’s name being erased from the register.

(5)

At the close of the proceedings under this rule the Board shall record and the chairperson shall pronounce the finding or determination of the Board.

(6)

Subject to the provision of this rule, the proceedings of the Board in connexion with applications for restoration of the name of an estate agent on the register, shall be such as the Board may determine.

12.
Adjournment or proceedings

The Board may at any state during an inquiry under these Rules adjourn its proceedings as it thinks fit.

13.
Proceedings be in camera

The proceedings of the Board shall be held in camera.

14.
Summons at proceedings
(1)

The Board may issue a summons, in Form I set out in the Schedule to any person to attend as a witness or to produce any documents.

(2)

Any person who files when summoned by the Board to attend as a witness or to produce any books or documents which he is required to produce shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of two thousand shillings or to imprisonment for one month or to both such fine and imprisonment.

15.
Notes taken at proceedings

Any party to the proceedings shall, on application, be furnished with a transcript of the shorthand notes or a certified copy of the proceedings or determination or findings of the Board on the payment of a fee for every page of the shorthand notes or certified proceedings or determination or finding of the Board.

16.
Venue of meetings

Meeting of the Board for purposes of an inquiry under these Rules, except in so far as the chairperson may otherwise direct, shall be held at the offices of the Board and may be held as regularly as circumstances require.

17.
Service of documents

The service of a summons or documents shall be by post or by any means approved by the Board as being the most convenient in the circumstances.

18.
Evidence
(1)

For the purpose of these Rules, the Board may receive oral, documentary or other evidence of any fact or matter which appears to it be relevant to the inquiry into any matter before it.

(2)

The Board may, if satisfied that the interests of justice will not be prejudiced, admit in evidence without strict proof, copies of documents which are themselves admissible, maps, plans, recorded tapes, photographs, certificates of conviction and sentence, certificates of birth and marriage and death, the records including records of the Lands and Settlement and other Government Ministries, records of estate agents and any other Government Ministries, records of estate agents and any other relevant sources, the notes and minutes of proceedings before the Board and before other tribunals and courts, and the board may take note without strict proof thereof of the professional qualifications, the address and identity of the estate agent.

SCHEDULE

WITNESS SUMMONS

Form I

(r. 14)

ESTATE AGENTS ACT

(Cap. 533)

To: ...................................................

..............................................................

In pursuance of rule 14(1) of the Estate Agents (Disciplinary Proceedings) (Procedure) Rules you are hereby commanded to attend in person as a witness in an inquiry to be held before the Estate Agents Registration Board Mr./Mrs./Miss ........................... at ........................ on .........................

and to remain in attendance until released by the Board. Under the provisions of rule 14(2) of the Estate Agents (Disciplinary Proceedings) (Procedure) Rules, any person who fails when summoned or to produce any books, documents or other exhibits, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to a fine of KSh. 2,000 or to imprisonment for one month or to both such fine and imprisonment.

Date ................................., 20 ............

..........................................

Registrar of the Board

Summons Received on ...................................

By ................................................

.

Signature of Witness ........................................

Served by ...................................................

Place ......................................................

THE ESTATE AGENTS (REMUNERATION) RULES
1.

These Rules may be cited as the Estate Agents (Remuneration) Rules.

2.

The estate agents remuneration shall be calculated in accordance with the scale of fees set out in the Schedule.

SCHEDULE

SCALE OF FEES

[L.N. 198/2002.]

SCALE I

Sales:

On the first KSh. 100,000 ........................................ 10%

On the next KSh. 900,000 ........................................... 6%

On the residue .......................................................... 3%

SCALE IA

Purchases:

On the first KSh. 100,000 ............................................ 5%

On the next KSh. 900,000 .............................................. 3%

On the residue .................................................... 1.5%

SCALE IB

On Sales of Plant and Machinery:

Ten per cent of the total value realised.

SCALE IC

Sales and Purchases Effected by a Transfer of Shares:

Scales I and IA shall apply undiminished by any loan or other charges upon the property of the company’s assets.

SCALE 2 – LETTINGS

Residential:

Lease up to one year ........................... 7.5% of annual gross rent.

Lease of over one year .......................... One month’s rent.

Commercial:

Sole agency ..................................... 7.5% of annual gross rent.

General agency .................................. 10% of annual gross rent.

Fees by negotiation if management services involved but not less than half scale.

SCALE 3
(a)

For seeking and negotiating the tenancy or lease of a property to suit a client’s requirements:

The fee payable as per the appropriate letting scale and by arrangement if negotiations abort.

(b)

For negotiating the tenancy or lease of a particular property named by a client:

The fee payable shall be three quarters of the appropriate letting scale and half the estimated one month’s rent subject to a minimum of KSh. 500.

SCALE 4 – MANAGEMENT

Residential:

10

per cent of the gross rents or less according to the circumstances but not less than 5 per cent.

Commercial:

7.5

per cent of the gross rents or by arrangement but not less than 2.5 per cent.

SCALE 5

Mortgages:

For negotiating the terms of mortgages or charges as an intermediary between or on behalf of either of the principals:

(a)

In case of a successful deal, the agent is entitled to a negotiated commission but no fees.

(b)

Where agent is instructed to fund and negotiate a mortgage without handling the sale:

Fees to be not more than 0.25 per cent of the capital value of the mortgage.

THE ESTATE AGENTS (ACCOUNTS) RULES
1.

These Rules may be cited as the Estate Agents (Accounts) Rules.

2.

In these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires—

"estate agent" means a person who deals with the selling, mortgaging, charging, letting or management of immovable property or of any house, shop or building, forming part thereof or does any of the following acts—

(a)

bringing together or taking steps to bring together a prospective vendor, lessor, lender and a prospective purchaser, lessee or borrower; or

(b)

negotiating the terms of sale, mortgage, charge or letting as an intermediary between or on behalf of either of the principals;

"client" means any person on whose account an estate agent holds or receives client’s money;

"client account" means a current or deposit account at a bank or financial institution operating under the Banking Act (Cap. 488) or a building society registered under the Building Societies Act (Cap. 489), in the name of the estate agent the title of which accounts contains the word "client" or "trust";

"client’s money", in relation to an estate agent, means any money received by him in the course of estate agency work which is a contract or a pre-contract deposit, whether the money is held or received by him as agent, bailee, shareholder or in any other capacity;

"contract deposit", means any sum paid by a purchaser—

(a)

which in whole or in part is intended to form part of the consideration for acquiring an interest in land in Kenya; or

(b)

which is paid by him at or after the time at which he acquires the interest or enters into an enforceable contract to acquire it;

"pre-contract deposit" means any sum paid by any person—

(a)

in whole or in part as a show of his intention to acquire such an interest in immovable property or any house, shop or building forming part thereof;

(b)

in whole or in part towards meeting any liability of his in respect of the consideration for the acquisition of such an interest which will arise if he acquires or enters into an enforceable interest; or

(c)

in respect of a connected contract and which is paid by him at the time or before he either acquires the interest or enters into an enforceable contract to acquire it;

"connected contract", in relation to the acquisition of an interest in land, means a contract which is conditional upon entering into an enforceable contract for such an acquisition (whether or not it is also conditional on other matters).

3.

An estate agent may keep one client account or several client accounts as he thinks necessary.

4.

Client’s money received by any agency work in Kenya—

(a)

is held by him on trust for the person who is entitled to call it to be paid over to him or to be paid on his direction or have it otherwise credited to him; or

(b)

if it is received by him as a shareholder, is held by him on trust for the person who may become so entitled on the occurrence of the event against which the money is held.

5.

Subject to rule 9, every estate agent who receives client’s money, shall without delay pay the money into a client’s account maintained by him or by a person in whose employment he is.

6.

There shall be paid into the client’s account—

(a)

client’s money;

(b)

such money belonging to the estate agent as may be necessary for the purpose of maintaining the account;

(c)

money to replace any sum drawn from the account in contravention of these Rules; and

(d)

a cheque or draft received by the estate agent which he is entitled under rule 7 to split but which he does not split.

7.
(1)

Where an estate agent holds or receives a cheque or draft which includes client’s money—

(a)

he may where practicable split such cheque or draft and, if he does so, he shall deal with each part thereof as if he had received a separate cheque or draft in respect of that part; or

(b)

if he does not split the cheque or draft, he shall pay the cheque or draft into a client account.

(2)

Money which is not client’s money but which is paid into a client’s account, other than under rule 6, shall be paid out as soon as is reasonably possible.

8.

An estate agent shall not account for any money other than money which he is required to pay into a client’s account under these Rules.

9.

An estate agent need not pay into a client account client’s money held or received by him which—

(a)

is received by him in the form of cash and is without delay paid in cash in the ordinary course of business to the client or to a third party; or

(b)

he pays in, without delay to the credit or a separate account opened or to be opened in the name of a client, trust, or estate or of some person nominated by the client; or

(c)

is received by him in the form of a cheque or draft and is without delay, endorsed over or delivered in the ordinary course of business to the client or to a third party for, or on behalf of or to the use of the client and is not cashed or passed through a bank by the estate agent.

10.
(1)

Subject to rules 11 and 12, an estate agent may withdraw from a client account—

(a)

money properly required for payment to the client;

(b)

money properly required for or towards a payment authorized by client;

(c)

money properly required for or towards a payment on behalf of the client within the mandate of the estate agent in the matter or any of the matters in which he is acting for or on behalf of the client;

(d)

money which he is transferring to a separate account opened or to be opened in the name of the client;

(e)

money properly required for or towards payment of a debt due to the estate agent from the client or in reimbursement of money properly expended by the estate agent for or on behalf of the client;

(f)

money properly required for or towards payment of the estate agent’s costs where a bill of costs or other written intimation of the amount of the costs incurred has been delivered to the client;

(g)

money paid into the account in contravention of these Rules;

(h)

money paid into the account under rule 6(b);

(i)

money not being client’s money paid in the account under rule 7(1)(b).

(2)

Every cheque drawn upon a client account shall bear on its face the words "client account" or "trust account".

11.

An estate agent shall not withdraw from a client account any sum in excess of the amount held for the time being in such account for the credit of the client in respect of whom, the drawing is proposed to be made.

12.

No money may be withdrawn from the client account under paragraphs (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i) of rule 10 except by cheque drawn in favour of the estate agent.

13.

No money may be withdrawn from the client account except as may be authorized by rule 10 or as specifically authorized in writing by the Board in pursuance of an application made by the estate agent.

14.

(1) Every estate agent shall at all times keep properly written up such books of account as may be necessary to show—

(a)

every receipt by him of client’s money for each separate client; and

(b)

every payment or application by him of or from client’s money for each separate client; and

(c)

the amount held by him for the time being in a client account, for each separate client; and

(d)

the moneys expended by him for and the costs charged by him to each separate client.

(2)

The books of account referred to in paragraph (1) shall include—

(a)

either—

(i) a cash book in which to record every transaction involving client’s money or other money dealt with by the estate agent through a client account and a separate cash book in which to record every transaction involving the estate agent’s own money and relating to the affairs of his client’s; or
(ii) a cash book ruled with two separate principal money columns on each side, one such column for recording every transaction involving client’s money or other money dealt with by the estate agent through a client account and the other for recording every transaction involving the estate agent’s own money and relating to the affairs of his client;
(b)

either—

(i) a ledger in which to record every transaction involving client’s money or other money dealt with by the estate agent through a client account and a separate ledger in which to record every transaction involving the estate agent’s own money and relating to the affairs of his clients; or
(ii) a ledger ruled with two principal money columns on each side one such column for recording every transaction involving client’s money or other money dealt with by the estate agent through a client account and the other recording every transaction involving the estate agent’s own money and relating to the affairs of his clients; and
(c)

a record showing particulars of all bills of costs delivered by the estate agent to his clients distinguishing between profit, cost and disbursement.

(3)

A cash book ledger required to be kept under these Rules may be a loose-leaf book.

(4)

In this rule, "cash ‘book" and "ledger" include such cards or other permanent records as are necessary for the operation of a mechanical system of book-keeping.

(5)

Every estate agent shall preserve for at least seven years from the date of the last entry therein all books of account required to be kept by him under rule 14.

16.

Every estate agent shall take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of all books of account which he is required by rule 15 to preserve and in the event of any of the books being lost, destroyed or materially damaged shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Board together with a written report on the circumstances.

THE ESTATE AGENTS (ACCOUNTANT'S CERTIFICATE) RULES

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

1.

Citation

2.

Interpretation

3.

Accountant’s certificate

4.

Qualification of accountant

5.

Duty of accountant

6.

Form of accountant’s certificate

7.

Powers of the Board

8.

Accounting period

9.

Duration of accounting period

10.

Accounting periods for firms of estate agents

11.

Accounting periods for estate agents not exempt under rule 7

12.

Complaints

13.

Certificate from Registrar

14.

Final proof

15.

Notice of estate agent

16.

Notice to accountant

SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE [r. 6] —

FORM OF ACCOUNTANT’S CERTIFICATE

THE ESTATE AGENTS (ACCOUNTANT'S CERTIFICATE) RULES
1.
Citation

These Rules may be cited as the Estate Agents (Accountant’s Certificate) Rules.

2.
Interpretation
(1)

In these Rules unless the context otherwise requires—

"accountant’s certificate" means the certificate provided for by rule 3;

"estate agent" means any person whose name is duly entered upon the register of estate agents kept in accordance with section 7 of the Act;

"the Board" means the Estate Agents Registration Board;

(2)

The expressions "client", "client account", and "client money" have the meanings assigned to them in the Estate Agents (Accounts) Rules (sub. leg).

3.
Accountant’s certificate

Subject to these Rules, every estate agent shall once in every practice year deliver to the Board a certificate signed by an accountant and complying with these Rules.

4.
Qualification of accountant
(1)

An accountant is qualified to give an accountant’s certificate under these Rules if—

(a)

he has neither been at any time during the accounting period, nor subsequently, before giving the certificate, become a partner, clerk or servant of the estate agent or any partner or co-director of any company of which he is a member of; and

(b)

he is not subject to notice of disqualification under paragraph (2);

(2)

In either of the following cases, that is to say, where—

(a)

the accountant has been found guilty by the Disciplinary Tribunal of his professional body of professional misconduct or discreditable conduct; or

(b)

the Board is satisfied that an estate agent has not complied with the provisions of the Estate Agent (Accounts) Rules (sub. leg), in respect of matters not specified in an accountant’s certificate and that the accountant was negligent in giving such certificate, the Board may at any time notify the accountant concerned, that he is not qualified to give accountant’s certificate, and it may give notice of that fact to any estate agent on whose behalf he has given an accountant’s certificate, and after the accountant has been so notified, unless and until the notice is withdrawn by the Board, he is not qualified to give an accountant’s certificate.

5.
Duty of accountant
(1)

With a view to the signing of an accountant’s certificate an accountant is not required to do more than—

(a)

make a general test examination of the books of account of the estate agent;

(b)

ascertain whether a client account is kept and operated in accordance with the Estate Agents (Accounts) Rule (sub. leg);

(c)

make a general test examination of the bank pass books and statements kept in relation to the estate agent’s practice;

(d)

make a comparison, as at not fewer than two dates selected by the accountant, between—

(i) the liabilities of the estate agent to his clients as shown by his books of account;
(ii) the balance standing to the credit of the client account; and
(e)

ask for such information and explanations as he may require arising out of paragraphs (a) to (d);

(2)

If after making the investigation prescribed by paragraph (1), it appears to the accountant that there is evidence that the Estate Agents (Accounts) Rules (sub. leg) have not been complied with, he shall make such further investigations as may be necessary to enable him to sign the accountant’s certificate.

6.
Form of accountant’s certificate

An accountant’s certificate delivered by an estate agent shall be in the form set out in the Schedule or in a form to the like effect approved by the Board.

7.
Powers of the Board

The Board shall, in each practice year, be satisfied that the delivery of an accountant’s certificate is unnecessary, and shall not require evidence of that fact, in the case of an estate agent who—

(a)

holds his first current practising certificate; or

(b)

after having for twelve months or more ceased to hold a current practising certificate, holds his next current practicing certificate; or

(c)

delivers to the Board a statutory declaration stating that the Estate Agents (Accounts) Rules (sub. leg) did not apply to him because he had not, during the period to which the declaration refers, practised on his own account either alone or in partnership or held or received client’s money; or

(d)

has ceased to hold a current practising certificate and, if he has at any time after the 9th February, 1986, held or received client’s money, has delivered an accountant’s certificate covering an accounting period ending on the date upon which he ceased to hold or receive client’s money; or

(e)

has at no time since the 9th February, 1986, held a current practising certificate or held or received client’s money.

8.
Accounting period

Subject to rules 9, 10 and 11 the accounting period specified in an accountant’s certificate shall—

(a)

begin at the expiry of the last preceding accounting period for which an accountant’s certificate has been delivered;

(b)

cover not less than twelve months;

(c)

terminate not more than six months before the date of the delivery of the certificate to the Board; and

(d)

where possible correspond to a period or consecutive periods for which the accounts of the estate agent or his firm are ordinarily made up.

9.
Duration of accounting period

The accounting period specified in an accountant’s certificate delivered during the practice year beginning on the 9th February, 1986 shall begin on—

(a)

the date to which the estate agents books were last made up before the 9th February, 1986;

(b)

if the books were not made up during the practice year beginning on the 9th February, 1986, either on the 9th February, 1986, or on the day upon which the estate agent began or began again to hold or receive client’s money, whichever be the later; or

(c)

in the case of an estate agent retiring from practice who has ceased to hold or receive client’s money after the 9th February, 1986, the period up to the date upon which he so ceased.

10.
Accounting periods for firms of estate agents

In any practice year beginning on or after the 9th February, 1986—

(a)

in the case of an estate agent who—

(i) becomes under an obligation to deliver his first accountant’s certificate; or
(ii) having been exempt under rule 7 from delivering an accountant’s certificate in the previous practice year becomes under an obligation to deliver an accountant’s certificate, the accounting period shall begin on the date upon which he first held or received client’s money or, after such exemption, began again to hold or receive client’s money, and may cover less than twelve months, and shall in all other respects comply with rule 8; and
(b)

in the case of an estate agent retiring from practice who, having ceased to hold or receive client’s money, is under an obligation to deliver his final accountant’s certificate, the accounting period shall end on the date upon which he ceased to hold or receive client’s money, and may cover less than twelve months, and shall in other respects comply with rule 8.

11.
Accounting periods for estate agents not exempt under rule 7
(1)

In any practice year beginning on or after the 9th February, 1986, in the case of an estate agent who—

(a)

was not exempt under rule 7 from delivering an accountant’s certificate in the preceding practice year; and

(b)

since the expiry of the accounting period covered by such accountant’s certificate has become, or ceased to be a member of a firm of estate agents, the accounting period may cover less than twelve months and shall in all other respects comply with rule 8.

(2)

In the case of an estate agent who has two or more places of business—

(a)

separate accounting periods, covered by separate accountant’s certificates, may be adopted in respect of each such place of business provided that the accounting periods comply with rule 8; and

(b)

the accountant’s certificate or accountant’s certificates delivered by him to the Board in each practice year shall cover all client’s money held or received by him.

12.
Complaints

If any estate agent fails to comply with these Rules a complaint in respect of such failure may be made by or on behalf of the Board to the Disciplinary Committee.

13.
Certificate from Registrar

On receipt either of an accountant’s certificate or of a declaration under rule 7(3) the Registrar will forward to the estate agent a certificate under his hand stating that an accountant’s certificate for a specified period has been received or that no accountant’s certificate is required for a specified period, as the case may be.

14.
Final proof

A certificate under the hand of the Registrar is, until the contrary is proved, evidence that an estate agent has or has not, as the case may be, delivered to the Board an accountant’s certificate or supplied any evidence required under these Rules.

15.
Notice of estate agent

Every notice to be given by the Board under these Rules to an estate agent shall be in writing under the hand of the Registrar and sent by registered post to the last address of the estate agent appearing in the register of estate agents kept by the Registrar under section 7 of the Act and when so given and sent. is taken to have been received by the estate agent within seven days after the date of posting.

16.
Notice to accountant

Every notice given by the Board under these Rules to an accountant shall be in writing under the hand of the Registrar and sent by registered post to the address of the accountant shown on an accountant’s certificate or appearing in the records of the accountancy body of which the accountant is a member, and when so given and sent, is taken to have been received by the accountant within seven days after the date of posting.

SCHEDULE

[r. 6]

FORM OF ACCOUNTANT’S CERTIFICATE

Note.—In the case of a firm with a number of partners or company with directors carbon copies of the certificate may be delivered provided section 1 below is completed on each certificate with the name of the individual estate agent.

1.

Estate agent’s full name.

2.

Firm(s) name(s) and address(es).

Note.— All addresses at which the estate agent(s) practice(s) must be covered by an accountant’s certificate or certificates.

3.

State whether practising alone or in partnership.

4.

Accounting period(s).

Note.—The period(s) must comply with the Estate Agents (Accountant’s Certificate) Rules.

ACCOUNTANT’S CERTIFICATE

In compliance with the Estate Agents (Accountant’s Certificate) Rules, 1989.

I, ................................................. have examined the books, accounts and documents of the above-named estate agent relating to the above practice(s) produced to me and I hereby certify that from my examination pursuant to rule 5 of the Estate Agents (Accountant’s Certificate) Rules, and from explanations and information given to me, I am satisfied that—

(1)

During the above-mentioned period(s) he has complied with the provisions of the Estate Agents (Accounts) Rules (sub. leg) except so far as concerns—

(a)

certain trivial breaches due to clerical errors or mistakes in book-keeping, all of which were rectified on discovery; I am satisfied that none of such breaches resulted in any loss to any client;

(b)

the matters set out on the back hereof;

(2)

Having retired from active practice as an estate agent he ceased to hold client’s money on the:

Particulars of the Accountant ...........................................

Full name ................................................................

Qualifications (if any) .......................................

Firms name .......................................................

Address ................................................................

Signature ..............................................................

Date ...............................................................

To: The Registrar,

The Estate Agents Registration Board,

P.O. Box NAIROBI.

Delete clause not applicable.