Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Apply for membership
• Complete application forms
• Apply for loans
• Use our online services
• Contact us with inquiries

This information may include:

• Full name and date of birth
• National ID number or passport
• Contact information (address, phone number, email)
• Employment details and income information
• Financial information and bank account details
• Next of kin and nominee information

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and usage, including:

• IP address and browser type
• Pages visited and time spent
• Referring website addresses
• Device information

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including to:

• Process your membership application
• Manage your account and provide services
• Evaluate loan applications and creditworthiness
• Communicate with you about your account
• Send you statements and important notices
• Improve our services and website
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Protect against fraud and unauthorized transactions

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on:

• Contractual Necessity: To fulfill our obligations under the membership agreement and provide requested services
• Legal Obligations: To comply with the Co-operative Societies Act and other applicable laws
• Legitimate Interests: To operate our business effectively and protect our members' interests
• Consent: Where you have given explicit consent for specific processing activities

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• SACCO Management and Committees: As necessary for governance and operations
• Service Providers: Third parties who assist in our operations (IT services, auditors, etc.)
• Regulatory Authorities: Commissioner for Co-operative Development and other regulators
• Credit Reference Bureaus: For credit assessment and reporting
• Other Co-operatives: For co-operation among co-operatives as permitted by law

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of sensitive data
• Secure servers and firewalls
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. This includes:

• While you are a member of the SACCO
• To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• To resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• For legitimate business purposes

7. Your Rights

Under the Data Protection Act, 2019, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request copies of your personal information
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your information under certain conditions
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of processing
• Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your information
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests

To exercise these rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer using the information provided below.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how visitors use our site
• Preference Cookies: To remember your settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Member's Personal Statement

As outlined in our by-laws, every member shall receive regular statements at least once every three months, containing particulars of membership, shares, deposits, and loan transactions with the society. These statements are confidential and should be protected by the member.

10. Confidentiality Obligations

Management and supervisory committee members, and employees of the society are required to hold in the strictest confidence all transactions of the society with its members. This obligation continues even after cessation of their role or employment.

11. Nominee Information

Members may appoint nominees to inherit their shares, deposits, and other interests upon death. Information about nominees is maintained confidentially and only disclosed as necessary for implementing member wishes or legal requirements.

12. International Data Transfers

We do not typically transfer your personal information outside Kenya. If such transfer becomes necessary, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. In case of significant changes, we may provide additional notice through email or our website.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact:

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC).

15. Consent

By becoming a member of HoneyPlus SACCO or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described herein.