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Countering land fraud through digital conveyancing reforms: insights from Kenya’s Ardhisasa for Zimbabwe

Author

Listed:
  • Munashe Matambo

    (University of South Africa, South Africa)

Abstract

This study examines Zimbabwe’s Deeds Registries Regulations, Statutory Instrument 76 of 2025 as a legislative foundation for mitigating syndicated land fraud through strategic adoption of Kenya’s Ardhisasa digital governance model. Employing qualitative documentary analysis of Zimbabwean litigation trends (Zavazava, Mutumbuka, Chirimuta, Mariko) and regulatory frameworks within the e-governance paradigm, the research identifies Sections 40–44’s mandate for title validation and blockchain-backed securitised deeds as pivotal yet reveals critical gaps in biometric verification and automated compliance that perpetuate impersonation and document tampering risks. Consequently, the paper proposes institutional recalibration beyond digitisation: (1) integrating Kenya’s stakeholder-centric "phygital" hybrid systems during Zimbabwe’s 24-month validation phase; (2) embedding real-time identity cross-checks; and (3) implementing immutable audit trails to fulfil Section 90 of the Deeds Registries Act. These recommendations reconfigure the Deeds Registry as a guarantor of constitutional property rights guaranteed in Section 71(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013. The study contributes to debates on counteracting deed fraud in Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Munashe Matambo, 2026. "Countering land fraud through digital conveyancing reforms: insights from Kenya’s Ardhisasa for Zimbabwe," Insights into Regional Development, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 8(1), pages 189-201, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:ssi:jouird:v:8:y:2026:i:1:p:189-201
    DOI: 10.70132/b8353686595

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    JEL classification:

    • K11 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Property Law

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