In Kenya, land tenure systems are broadly categorized into two principal forms: freehold and leasehold. Here's a brief explanation of each for your understanding:

Freehold Land:

Freehold ownership implies that an individual has outright ownership of the land and the buildings on it for an indefinite period. In legal terms, "freehold" points toward complete control over the land and the liberty to use the land for any lawful purpose in line with local regulations. The owner's name is registered as the "freeholder" and holds the title deed of the property. This title grants the owner the right to occupy, use, or dispose of the property at their discretion. The key characteristics of freehold land include:

- Permanency: The ownership of the land lasts until the owner decides to sell it.
- No annual rent: The owner does not pay any rent to the government or any other entity.
- Inheritance: The land can be passed on to heirs subject to compliance with the Law of Succession.
- Absolute ownership: The owner has fewer restrictions on the use of the land compared to leasehold property.

Leasehold Land:

Leasehold ownership, on the other hand, means that the person (lessee) is given the right to use land owned by another party (lessor) for a specified period, which is determined by a lease agreement. Upon expiration of the lease term, ownership of the land reverts to the freeholder unless the lease is renewed. Lease terms are often long-term, ranging from a few decades to 99 years or even 999 years in some instances. The salient elements of leasehold land are:

- Duration: Leasehold is only valid for the period stipulated in the lease agreement.
- Ground rent: The lessee may be required to pay an annual rent to the lessor.
- Conditions: The use of the land is usually subject to certain conditions as per the lease agreement.
- Renewal and reversion: Leasehold interests may be renewed, but this is subject to negotiations and the consent of the lessor. If not renewed, the land reverts to the freeholder upon lease expiration.

The distinction between freehold and leasehold is crucial when purchasing land in Kenya, as it affects the rights of the landowner, the value of the land, and the potential for development and investment.

It is worth noting that the duration and terms of leasehold properties have been subject to change due to recent legislative reforms in Kenya aimed at streamlining land ownership and usage. Therefore, it's advisable for anyone involved in land transactions to seek professional legal guidance to understand the latest developments and ensure compliance with Kenyan land laws.