1. Introduction
Mkulima sokoni ("we", "our", "the Platform"), operated by TaiStat Firm, is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your personal information when you use our services.
2. Information We Collect
Account Information: When you register, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and role (Farmer, Buyer, or Agro-Dealer).
Profile Information: Farm name, location, county, bio, profile photo, farming experience, and certification documents (for verification).
Product Data: Product listings including names, descriptions, images, prices, quantities, and locations.
Usage Data: Pages visited, product views, search queries, and interaction patterns to improve the platform experience.
Device Data: Browser type, IP address, and device information for security and analytics.
3. How We Use Your Information
- To create and manage your account
- To display your product listings to potential buyers
- To facilitate communication between buyers and sellers
- To verify user identities and build platform trust
- To improve platform performance, features, and user experience
- To send important notifications about your account or transactions
- To prevent fraud and maintain platform security
4. Information Sharing
We do not sell your personal data. We may share information in the following limited cases:
- Public Profile: Your name, farm name, location, and listed products are visible to other users
- Contact Info: Phone number and email are shown to signed-in users who click "Contact Farmer" on your listings
- Service Providers: We use Firebase (authentication), Cloudinary (image storage), and Neon (database) — these providers process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by Kenyan law or valid legal process
5. Data Storage & Security
Your data is stored in secure cloud databases with encryption in transit (SSL/TLS). We use Firebase Authentication for secure login management. While we implement industry-standard security measures, no system is completely immune to breaches. We encourage you to use strong passwords and keep your credentials private.
6. Cookies & Local Storage
Mkulima sokoni uses browser local storage and session storage to maintain your login session, cache product data for faster loading, and remember your preferences. We do not use third-party tracking cookies.
7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data through your dashboard profile
- Update your information at any time in your profile settings
- Delete your account by contacting support at support@mkulimasokoni.com
- Withdraw consent for optional data processing
8. Data Retention
We retain your data for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will remove your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required by law to retain it.
9. Children's Privacy
Mkulima sokoni is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Contact Us
For privacy-related questions, contact us at support@mkulimasokoni.com.