Uncovering What's Rightfully Yours
A missing assets search is a detailed investigation to locate unclaimed, lost, or deliberately hidden assets belonging to an individual, a family, or an estate. These assets can range from forgotten bank accounts and dormant shares to untitled land and other valuable property. Whether you are an heir in a succession case, a creditor pursuing a debtor, or simply believe you are entitled to unclaimed property, a professional search is essential. From our offices at International Life House, 8th Floor, Mama Ngina Street, Nairobi, Swipe Recoveries Experts Ltd provides a discreet and thorough missing assets search service, meticulously piecing together financial puzzles to reunite you with your property.
Legal Avenues & Databases for Locating Assets
Conducting a successful missing assets search in Kenya involves navigating a complex web of public and private databases, all within a strict legal framework. The process often begins by examining documents related to the subject, such as wills, old bank statements, or business records. Our investigation leverages key government registries. We conduct searches at the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning to identify any registered properties and at the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for vehicle ownership records.
For corporate assets, we perform an official search at the Business Registration Service (BRS) to uncover directorships and shareholdings in Kenyan companies. A significant challenge is locating dormant financial assets. We can assist clients in making formal inquiries with institutions like the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA), the statutory body in Kenya responsible for holding and managing unclaimed assets from banks, insurance companies, and listed firms. All our search activities are compliant with the Data Protection Act, 2019, ensuring that the process is lawful and the evidence obtained is legally sound.
Our Step-by-Step Missing Assets Search Procedure
Our procedure for a missing assets search is methodical and designed to maximize the chances of discovery. The process requires a collaborative approach with our clients.
1. Initial Consultation and Information Gathering: The search begins with a confidential meeting where we collect all known information about the subject and the potential missing assets. This includes names, ID numbers, last known addresses, and any supporting documentation like birth certificates, death certificates (in succession matters), or old financial records.
2. Strategy Development: Based on the initial information, we develop a tailored search strategy, prioritizing the most likely places assets could be held.
3. Database and Registry Searches: Our team systematically queries relevant databases, including land, company, and motor vehicle registries. We also guide clients on how to properly engage with the UFAA and other financial bodies.
4. Field Investigation (If Required): In cases where assets are suspected to be physically hidden or held by third parties, our field agents conduct discreet inquiries and surveillance to gather intelligence. This step is crucial for uncovering assets not listed in public records.
5. Comprehensive Report and Recovery Guidance: We compile all findings into a detailed report. This document lists all identified assets, their estimated value, and their location. Crucially, we also provide guidance on the next legal steps required to claim or recover the assets, often involving a lawyer or the court system.
Cost and Fees for a Missing Assets Search
The cost of a missing assets search in Kenya depends heavily on the complexity and scope of the investigation. At Swipe Recoveries Experts Ltd, we offer a phased approach to manage costs effectively. An initial, preliminary search (Phase 1), which covers primary public databases like land and company registries, typically starts from KES 25,000 to KES 50,000. This phase is designed to identify the "low-hanging fruit" and determine if a more in-depth investigation is warranted.
For more complex searches (Phase 2) involving historical records, field inquiries, and liaising with multiple financial institutions, we generally work on an hourly rate or a pre-agreed project fee, which can range from KES 60,000 to KES 150,000+. In certain estate and succession cases, we may consider a contingency fee arrangement, where our payment is a small, agreed-upon percentage of the value of the assets we successfully locate. We always provide a clear and transparent quote before commencing any work.
