Is it a crime to enter, or graze animals on, someone's land without permission?
Trespass Act · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Yes. Entering or staying on private land, building on it, farming it, or grazing animals on it without the occupier's consent and without a reasonable excuse is an offence, and the accused person must prove they had consent or an excuse.
- Where
- The nearest police station; the case is heard in the magistrate's court
Steps
- Report it at the nearest police station. The police can charge the person even without your consent, and the occupier can also bring the case.
- If the person is convicted, the court must order them to move themselves, their family, animals and property off the land.
- Where animals are found grazing on your land, the court can also order them confiscated and sold.
Watch out
- The basic penalty is small: a fine of up to KSh 500, up to 2 months in jail, or both.
- Entering to commit a crime or to intimidate, insult or annoy the occupier carries up to 6 months in jail or a fine up to KSh 2,000, or both.
- A person charged cannot simply claim they had permission: they must prove the consent or reasonable excuse.
Who this covers
- Owners and lawful occupiers of private land, including farms and enclosed land.
Official sources (1)
- Trespass Act (Cap. 294) new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026