How to Register a Family Trust in Kenya
Setting up a family trust in Kenya is a powerful way to protect, manage, and preserve your family’s wealth for generations. With proper legal guidance from WKA Advocates, the process can be seamless, strategic, and compliant with all legal requirements.
Family trusts have become an increasingly popular vehicle for asset protection, succession planning, and wealth management in Kenya. Establishing a family trust allows individuals and families to safeguard their assets across generations, minimize exposure to liabilities, and avoid lengthy probate processes. At WKA Advocates, we provide end-to-end legal services for creating and registering family trusts tailored to your unique family and financial needs.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of how to register a family trust in Kenya, the legal framework governing trusts, the benefits of family trusts, and what to consider during registration.
What is a Family Trust?
A family trust is a legal arrangement where a person (the settlor) transfers assets to a trustee to hold and manage for the benefit of specified beneficiaries, typically family members. The trustee manages the trust according to the terms set out in the trust deed.
Family trusts are often used for:
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Estate planning and inheritance management
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Asset protection
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Minimising estate taxes
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Ensuring financial support for minors or dependants
Legal Framework for Trusts in Kenya
Family trusts in Kenya are governed by:
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The Trusts Act (Cap. 167)
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The Perpetuities and Accumulations Act (Cap. 161)
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The Trustee Act (Cap. 167)
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The Income Tax Act (for tax considerations)
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The Land Registration Act (for property ownership by trusts)
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Family Trust in Kenya
1. Engage a Trust Lawyer
Start by consulting a qualified advocate with experience in trust law—like the team at WKA Advocates. This ensures the trust complies with all legal requirements and is tailored to your objectives.
2. Drafting the Trust Deed
The trust deed is the foundational document. It outlines:
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The name of the trust
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Details of the settlor(s)
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Appointment and powers of the trustee(s)
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List of beneficiaries
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Terms and conditions for administering the trust
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Duration of the trust
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Revocability (revocable or irrevocable)
At WKA Advocates, we ensure your trust deed is comprehensive and legally sound.
3. Identify and Appoint Trustees
Trustees are the individuals or corporate entities who will manage the trust. It is essential to appoint trustworthy individuals with the capacity and willingness to manage assets in the best interest of beneficiaries.
4. Transfer of Assets to the Trust
Assets such as land, money, shares, or other property are transferred from the settlor to the trust. For immovable property, this involves:
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Execution of a transfer document
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Stamp duty assessment and payment
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Registration of the trust as the new legal owner at the Land Registry
Our firm assists with due diligence, preparation, and submission of all transfer documents.
5. Trust Registration with the Lands Registry or Relevant Authorities
While there is no central registry for trusts in Kenya (unless a charitable trust), certain steps are required for operational legitimacy:
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Registration of the trust deed with the Ministry of Lands if the trust holds immovable property
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Application for a PIN certificate from KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority)
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Declaration of trust income for tax purposes
Where applicable, the trust may be registered with the NGO Coordination Board or Registrar of Documents.
6. Obtain KRA PIN for the Trust
To transact in Kenya, especially where the trust owns land or opens a bank account, the trust must have a KRA PIN. This enables tax compliance and financial operations.
7. Open a Trust Bank Account
The trust can have its own bank account for asset and income management. Most banks require:
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Registered trust deed
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Trustee identification
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KRA PIN certificate
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Board resolutions (if applicable)
Benefits of Registering a Family Trust in Kenya
✅ Avoidance of Probate: Assets held in trust do not go through the probate process.
✅ Asset Protection: Protects family wealth from creditors, legal claims, or matrimonial disputes.
✅ Tax Efficiency: With proper structuring, a trust can be tax-efficient.
✅ Continuity and Control: Ensures your wealth is managed and distributed according to your wishes.
✅ Confidentiality: Trusts are private documents unless contested or involving public registration.
Key Considerations When Setting Up a Family Trust
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Choose trustees carefully—they must act in the best interest of the beneficiaries.
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Clearly define beneficiaries—to avoid future disputes.
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Plan for tax obligations—trusts are subject to taxation in Kenya.
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Keep the trust deed updated—especially after major life events like marriage, death, or divorce.
How WKA Advocates Can Help
At WKA Advocates, we offer comprehensive legal services including:
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Advising on the right trust structure
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Drafting tailored trust deeds
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Trustee and beneficiary guidance
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Registration and compliance support
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Trust asset transfer and land registration
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Tax and estate planning advice
Our experienced team ensures that your family trust is not only compliant but also effective in achieving your long-term financial and legacy goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a family trust revocable in Kenya?
Yes, a trust can be revocable or irrevocable, depending on the terms in the trust deed. A revocable trust allows the settlor to amend or cancel it.
2. Do family trusts pay tax in Kenya?
Yes. Trusts are subject to income tax under the Income Tax Act. They must obtain a KRA PIN and declare income annually.
3. Can a trust own land in Kenya?
Yes. A registered trust can legally own immovable property in Kenya provided the trust deed is properly executed and registered.
4. How long does it take to register a family trust?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the trust, asset type, and registry processing times, but it typically takes 4–8 weeks.
5. Can foreigners set up family trusts in Kenya?
Yes. Non-Kenyans can set up family trusts in Kenya, subject to compliance with land ownership laws and legal requirements.
6. Do I need to register the trust with a government body?
While there’s no central registry for private trusts, registration may be necessary if the trust owns land or other registrable assets.
If you are considering creating a family trust or need assistance with estate planning, contact us today.