Do estate agents in Kenya need professional indemnity?
Yes. The Estate Agents Act requires every practising estate agent to hold an indemnity bond or insurance policy from a Board-approved insurer of at least KES 200,000 per practitioner, multiplied by the number of practising individuals or directors. The Act's requirement is for estate agents; valuers and surveyors should check their own board's rules, and clients may ask them for PI.
The legal requirement
Estate agents must hold an indemnity bond or insurance policy from a Board-approved insurer of at least KES 200,000 per practitioner (multiplied by the number of practising individuals or directors). Practising without it can mean a fine of up to KES 20,000, up to two years' imprisonment, or both (Estate Agents Act, Cap 533, s.19).
Source: Estate Agents Act, Cap 533, s.19
What it covers
- Negligent valuations and surveys
- Errors in sales and lettings advice
- Breach of professional duty by you or staff under your supervision
- Work in Kenya (check the territorial limit on your policy)
Frequently asked questions
What cover must an estate agent hold?
An indemnity bond or insurance policy from a Board-approved insurer of at least KES 200,000 for each practising individual or director (Estate Agents Act, s.19). Practising without it is an offence.
Are valuation errors covered?
Yes. Valuers' and surveyors' PI covers claims that a negligent valuation, survey or advice caused a client loss, usually limited to work done in Kenya. If a lender or client asks for a minimum limit, match it.
How much cover (limit) do I need?
At least any legal minimum for your profession, then enough to meet the largest claim you could realistically face: think of your biggest contract or fee, what a client could lose through your error, and any limit a client or tender requires. Remember that defence costs usually come out of the same limit.
Are my employees and partners covered?
Yes. Firm policies cover mistakes by partners and employees acting in their professional roles, and some also cover people working under your supervision. Tell the insurer about partners joining or leaving: incoming and outgoing partner extensions are available.
Registering or renewing?
Tell us how many practising agents or directors you have. We will quote compliant cover.
Licensed by IRA · No obligation · We reply within 1 hour
Sources
- Estate Agents Act, Cap 533, s.19
- GA, Liberty and First Assurance proposal forms, Oct 2026
Facts and published prices checked 5 Oct 2026; last reviewed October 2026 by Naveah Capital. Prices are indicative published rates, not a quote or a promise. Naveah Capital Insurance Agency is an IRA-licensed insurance agency in Nairobi; this page is general information, and your policy wording decides your cover.
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