How to Claim Unclaimed Assets in Kenya
How to Claim Unclaimed Assets in Kenya: A Step-by-Step 2026 Guide
Have you ever wondered what happened to that old dormant bank account , the shares you bought years ago, or the insurance policy that matured but was never paid? All these and more qualify as unclaimed assets. In Kenya, billions of shillings sit with the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) waiting for their rightful owners.
As of February 25, 2026, the process has become even easier with the integration of UFAA services into all 59 Huduma Centres and the eCitizen portal. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to search for and recover your unclaimed assets/lost funds.
Step 1: How to Search for Unclaimed Assets
Before you can claim any money, you must verify that the UFAA is holding assets in your name or the name of a deceased relative.
Option A: Using the USSD Code*361# (Fastest Method)
- Dial *361# on your Safaricom line.
- Follow the prompts to enter your National ID number.
- You will receive an SMS notification indicating if any assets are linked to your ID.
Option B: Using the UFAA Online Portal
- Visit the official UFAA Search Portal.
- Sign in using your eCitizen account.
- Enter the Name of the Owner or ID Number.
- Review the results. If a match is found, note down the Asset Holder (the bank or company that surrendered the money) and the Claim Reference Number.
Option C: Visit a Huduma Centre
You can now walk into any Huduma Centre nationwide. Head to the UFAA desk, provide your ID, and an officer will print a search report for you.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
The documents you need depend on whether you are claiming for yourself or on behalf of someone else.
For Original Owners (Self-Claim)
- Form 4A: The official claim form for original owners.
- Form 5: An Indemnity Agreement.
- Certified ID/Passport Copy: A clear copy of your national identity card.
- KRA PIN Certificate: A copy of your tax PIN.
- Bank/M-Pesa Details: A cancelled cheque or a certified bank statement to prove where the money should be sent.
For Beneficiaries (Claiming for Deceased Relatives)
- Form 4B: The claim form for beneficiaries.
- Form 5: Indemnity Agreement.
- Death Certificate: An original or certified copy.
- Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration: Issued by a court to authorize you as the legal representative.
- ID/KRA PIN: Copies for both the claimant and the deceased (if available).
Step 3: Lodge Your Claim
Once your documents are ready and commissioned by a Commissioner for Oaths (Lawyer), you can submit them through these channels:
- Online via eCitizen
Log in to the eCitizen Portal, navigate to the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority section, upload your scanned documents, and submit.
- Physical Submission at Huduma Centres
You can drop off your physical application at the UFAA counter in any Huduma Centre. This is the preferred method for 2026 as officers can verify your documents on the spot.
- UFAA Headquarters
Deliver your documents to the UFAA offices at Pacis Centre, Westlands, Nairobi.
Step 4: Tracking and Processing Timelines
After submission, UFAA will verify your claim. You can track the status by:
- Logging into the eCitizen portal.
- Redialing *361# and selecting the “Track Claim” option.
Standard Timelines in 2026:
- Original Owner Claims: Paid within 30 days.
- Beneficiary Claims: Paid within 90 days (this includes a mandatory 30-day notice in the Kenya Gazette to ensure no other person objects to the claim).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does UFAA charge a fee to claim?
No. Searching and claiming assets through UFAA is free of charge. Be wary of “agents” asking for a commission.
What happens if I don’t have the original bank account number?
UFAA only requires your National ID. Once they match your ID to the records surrendered by banks or insurance companies, they will process your claim.
Can I claim via M-Pesa?
Yes. For smaller amounts, UFAA now offers the option to receive funds directly to your registered M-Pesa number.
For more information, visit the Official UFAA Website or call their toll-free helpline: 020 4023000.
- #ClaimYourAssets