In Kenya, a Green Card is essentially the registry record showing the history of a particular parcel of land. It records important details about the parcel, including the registered proprietor and transactions or interests affecting the land.
It can help establish:
The parcel's registration history
The name of the registered owner
Transfers of ownership
Charges or mortgages
Cautions and restrictions
Other dealings registered against the property.
The Green Card is particularly important when conducting land due diligence, because it provides a historical record that can help verify whether the information on a current title corresponds with the registry records.
For example, if someone presents a title deed showing that they own a particular parcel, a search of the land registry records can help establish how that person acquired the property and whether there are registered interests or restrictions affecting it.
It is important to distinguish the Green Card from the title deed. The title deed is the document issued as evidence of registered ownership, while the Green Card is essentially the registry record/history behind the registration.
In a land purchase, therefore, checking the registry record is an important part of due diligence rather than relying solely on the physical title document presented by the seller.