Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Georole do

Georole is an integrated land and property solutions company. We provide a unique “one-stop-shop” service that combines technical expertise in urban planning, architecture, land surveying, environmental consulting (EIA), and GIS with a full-service property agency. We guide projects from the initial concept all the way to the final transaction.

What makes Georole different from other firms?

Unlike specialized firms that only handle one aspect (e.g., just planning or just sales), we bring all essential experts under one roof. This means better coordination, fewer delays, and cost savings for our clients. For example, our property listings are backed by our own professional valuations and survey plans, guaranteeing accuracy and credibility.

Where is Georole located?

Our head office is located in Nairobi, Kenya. However, our teams operate on-site nationwide for surveying, environmental assessments, and property viewings.

I have a plot of land. What do I need to do before I can start building?

Typically, you need three key things: 1) A verified survey plan from a licensed surveyor to confirm your boundaries. 2) A site development plan approved by your county government. 3) An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license from NEMA if your project meets certain criteria. Georole can manage this entire process for you seamlessly.

Do I need an EIA license for my project?

It depends on the project’s scale, nature, and location. Projects near rivers, wetlands, or forests, or those of a larger scale (like large apartment blocks or factories) usually require an EIA. We offer a free preliminary assessment to advise you on your specific requirements.

How long does it take to get planning permission or an EIA license?

Timelines vary based on project complexity and county or NEMA responsiveness. A simple survey might take a few weeks, while a full EIA process can take several months. We provide a clear timeline and manage the process efficiently to avoid unnecessary delays.

Why do I need a professional surveyor? Can't I use the old map from the seller?

An old map may be inaccurate or obsolete. A professional surveyor verifies the exact boundaries on the ground, places official beacons, and prepares a legally binding document. This is the only way to avoid costly boundary disputes with neighbors in the future.

How does Georole's property service work?

We act as a traditional real estate agency but with a significant advantage: our technical backing. When you list your property with us, we can provide in-house professional valuation and survey services, making our listings more accurate and trustworthy for potential buyers, which often leads to faster sales at better prices.

How do you determine the value of my property?

Our registered valuers use a combination of methods: analyzing recent sales of comparable properties in your area, the property’s income potential (for commercial), and the cost to replace it. This gives you a defensible and realistic market value, not just an estimate.

What are your fees for selling my property?

Our sales commission is competitive and transparent. It is a percentage of the final sale price, payable only upon the successful completion of the sale. We will provide a clear breakdown of all fees during our initial consultation with no hidden costs.

How much do your services cost?

Costs vary significantly depending on the service and project scope. A simple valuation has a different fee than a full EIA study or architectural design. We believe in transparent pricing. After understanding your specific needs, we provide a detailed, no-obligation quotation.

Can I hire Georole for just one service, like only surveying?

Absolutely. While we excel at managing entire projects, you can engage us for any single service you need, be it a survey, a valuation, an EIA, or architectural design.

Why should I trust Georole?

Our team comprises certified and registered professionals (NEMA Lead Experts, ISK Surveyors, RPPs, IRA Agents). Our work adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards. Our integrated model means we stand behind every piece of advice we give, as our technical teams validate the work of our sales team and vice-versa.

How do I get started?

Simple! Contact us via phone, email, or our website for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll discuss your project, understand your goals, and outline how we can help, along with a clear scope of work and quotation.

I already have an architect's drawing. Can Georole still help me?

Yes, absolutely. We can be your partner for the next crucial steps. We can conduct the topographic survey to inform the detailed design, handle the county planning approval process, manage the EIA licensing, and even help you select a qualified contractor. Think of us as your project implementation team.

What's the difference between a site plan and a survey plan?

This is a common point of confusion. A Survey Plan (from a surveyor) is a legal document that shows the exact boundaries, size, and features of your land. A Site Plan (from an architect/planner) is a design drawing that shows the proposed location of the building, access roads, drainage, and landscaping on that land. You need the survey plan first to create an accurate site plan.

My project was stopped by NEMA. What can Georole do?

Our EIA lead experts can conduct a rapid assessment to understand the compliance issue. We then develop a corrective action plan, engage with the relevant authorities on your behalf, and prepare the necessary documentation to get your project re-evaluated and approved, minimizing downtime and fines.

My project was rejected by the county. What can Georole do?

We can help you navigate the rejection. First, we analyze the rejection letter to understand the specific reasons. Then, we develop a corrective action plan—which may involve redesigning elements, providing additional documentation, or engaging with county officials on your behalf to clarify and resolve the issues before resubmitting the application.

What is a Master Plan or a Local Physical Development Plan (LPDP) and how does it affect my property?

An LPDP is a legal document that guides the long-term development of a specific area. It zones land for different uses (residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational) and outlines infrastructure plans. It affects your property by dictating what you can and cannot build on it. Before you buy or develop land, it’s critical to check the area’s LPDP.

Can you help me change the zoning of my land?

Yes, the process is called a “change of user” or “rezoning.” It is a complex, lengthy, and public process that requires convincing the county planning department that the change is justified and beneficial for the community. We can manage this process for you, which involves submitting a formal application, conducting stakeholder engagement, and often presenting your case before a planning committee.

What are professional fees for planning services?

Our fees are not one-size-fits-all. They are based on the scope, complexity, and value of your project. A simple residential plan will cost less than a large commercial or industrial development. We provide a detailed, transparent quotation after our initial consultation, so you know the costs upfront with no hidden fees.

Do you use drones and modern technology for your surveys?

Yes. Where appropriate, we utilize drone technology for topographic surveys of large or difficult-to-access sites. This allows us to collect highly accurate data faster and often more cost-effectively than traditional methods alone. We also use advanced GPS (RTK) technology for precision.

I want to invest in land. Which areas do you recommend for the best growth?

While we cannot provide formal financial advice, our GIS and planning teams conduct extensive market analysis on growth trends, infrastructure development (new roads, utilities), and zoning changes. We can provide you with a detailed market insight report that highlights areas with high growth potential based on objective data to help you make an informed decision.

Can Georole help me find a property to buy, not just sell my own?

Yes. Our property consultants work with buyers to understand their specific needs and budget. Because we have a curated list of technically verified properties, we can show you options you can trust, avoiding the common pitfalls of inaccurate listings.

I'm a developer. Can you handle the entire project from land purchase to unit sales?

This is our specialty. Our end-to-end service is designed for developers. We can:

Acquisition: Assist with land feasibility studies and valuation.

Design & Approval: Manage architecture, planning, and EIA processes.

Implementation: Provide surveying services during construction.

Sales & Marketing: Sell the finished units through our property division.
This integrated approach de-risks your project and ensures a smoother workflow.

Who will be my main point of contact?

You will be assigned a dedicated Project Manager who will be your single point of contact throughout your engagement with Georole. They will coordinate all our internal experts (planners, surveyors, etc.) and keep you updated on progress, so you don’t have to manage multiple people.

What is your payment structure? Do I have to pay everything upfront?

We use a phased payment structure tied to project milestones. For example, a percentage upon signing, a percentage upon submission of reports to authorities, and a final payment upon approval. This ensures fairness and aligns our success with yours. We do not require full upfront payment.

What happens if the county government rejects my plans?

Our expertise lies in navigating the approval process. We prepare applications to meet county requirements, significantly reducing the chance of rejection. In the rare event of queries or rejections, we analyze the feedback, make the necessary adjustments at no extra cost for the revision work, and re-submit until we achieve approval.

Can you help me resolve a boundary dispute with my neighbor?

Yes, this is a common service we provide. Our licensed surveyors can conduct an independent survey to verify the official boundaries as per the title deed. We provide a professional report that can be used to amicably resolve the dispute or, if necessary, serve as evidence in a legal proceeding.

What is GIS, and how can it help my project?

GIS (Geographic Information System) is a technology that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. It connects geographic location (where things are) with descriptive information (what things are). For your project, this means we can:

Perform site suitability analysis to find the perfect location for your business or home.

Analyze market trends and demographic data to make informed investment decisions.

Create powerful visualizations and maps for reports, presentations, and planning applications.

Manage infrastructure and assets efficiently.

I just need a simple map. Why do I need a GIS expert?

A Georole cartographer does more than make a map “pretty.” We ensure it is accurate, data-driven, and tells a clear story. A well-designed map can highlight opportunities, identify constraints, and communicate complex spatial information simply to stakeholders, clients, or county officials, making it a powerful decision-making tool.

What kind of data can you put on a map?

Almost anything that has a location! We can map:

Physical Features: Properties, boundaries, roads, rivers, vegetation.

Infrastructure: Power lines, water pipes, sewer systems.

Human Geography: Population density, income levels, customer locations.

Environmental Data: Soil types, flood zones, wildlife habitats.

Project Data: Proposed site plans, access routes, impact zones.

How is your GIS service different from using Google Maps?

Google Maps is excellent for navigation. Our GIS services are for professional analysis and decision-making. We use specialized software to:

Analyze multiple layers of data simultaneously to find patterns (e.g., find all plots within 1km of a new road that are on suitable soil for development).

Create custom, high-precision maps tailored to your specific project needs.

Work with sensitive or proprietary data that cannot be hosted on public platforms.

Perform advanced spatial modeling to predict future scenarios, like flood risk or urban growth.

Can you help me manage my utility or land assets?

Absolutely. This is a key application of GIS. We can develop a digital inventory of your assets (e.g., plots, buildings, water meters, transformers) linked to their location. This allows you to:

Visualize your entire portfolio on a map.

Track maintenance history and schedules.

Plan for future upgrades and expansions.

Respond faster to issues because you know exactly where everything is.

I'm a developer. How can GIS help me choose my next site?

We use GIS to perform a multi-criteria site selection analysis. This means we take all your requirements—proximity to roads, target customer demographics, slope of the land, avoiding flood zones, zoning regulations—and layer them on a map. The GIS software then identifies the optimal locations that meet all your criteria, taking the guesswork out of your investment decision.

How does the GIS team work with other departments at Georole?

Seamlessly. This is the Georole advantage.

For Planners: We create land-use and zoning maps for development plans.

For Surveyors: We process field data to create accurate survey plans and topographic maps.

For Environmental Experts: We map sensitive areas and model the visual or environmental impact of a project.

For Property Agents: We provide maps showing property locations, nearby amenities, and market heat maps to help sell and market listings

What exactly does a physical planner do?

A physical planner is like an architect for the entire community. We don’t just design buildings; we design how pieces of land are used, how people move between them (roads, paths), where parks and utilities go, and how everything fits together to create functional, sustainable, and livable spaces. We ensure your project benefits you without negatively impacting the community or environment.

Why do I need county approval for my building plans?

County approval is not just a formality; it’s a legal requirement that ensures safety, order, and sustainability. It verifies that your project:

Complies with zoning laws (e.g., you’re not building a factory in a residential area).

Adheres to health and safety standards (e.g., proper setbacks from boundaries for light and air circulation, access for emergency vehicles).

Contributes to the orderly development of the area.

How long does it take to get planning permission?

The timeline varies significantly depending on the project’s complexity and the specific county’s efficiency. A simple residential plan might take 4-8 weeks, while a large commercial or multi-unit development can take 3-6 months or longer. Georole’s expertise lies in preparing complete and compliant applications to avoid unnecessary delays from requests for additional information or rejections.

What are the most common reasons planning applications get rejected?

Applications are commonly rejected for:

Non-compliance with zoning regulations (e.g., building too high, wrong property use).

Inadequate drawings (missing details, inaccurate site plans).

Missing crucial documents (e.g., proof of land ownership, EIA license where required).

Objections from neighbors that are not adequately addressed.

Incorrect or incomplete application forms.

What is the difference between a Development Permit and an Approval of Building Plans?

This is a key distinction:

Development Permit: This is the broader permission for the use and development of the land. It answers: “Can I put a commercial building on this plot zoned for commerce?”

Approval of Building Plans: This is the specific approval for the architectural and structural design of the building itself. It answers: “Is this specific design for that commercial building structurally sound and compliant with building codes?”
You often need both.

I already have an architect. Why do I need a planner?

An architect designs the building on your plot. A planner ensures that the building fits within the wider context of the county’s regulations and the community. The architect focuses on the structure itself; the planner focuses on how that structure interacts with its environment, infrastructure, and legal framework. Both are essential and work together.