Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Kaya Homes, operated by Kaya Homes ("we," "us," or "our"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and web platform.

By using our services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, and password when you create an account
• Profile Information: Optional profile details you choose to provide
• Authentication Data: Credentials used for sign-in via Firebase Authentication
• Contact Details: Information you provide when contacting property agents or customer support

2.2 Usage Information

• Property Searches: Cities, property types, price ranges, and other search criteria
• Favorites: Properties you save or mark as favorites
• Messages: Communications with property agents through our chat system
• App Interactions: Features you use, screens you visit, and time spent in the app
• Browsing Activity: Pages viewed, links clicked, and navigation patterns

2.3 Device and Technical Information

• Device identifiers and mobile network information
• Operating system and app version
• IP address and general location (city/region level)
• Browser type and version
• Device type (smartphone, tablet, computer)

2.4 Location Information

With your permission, we collect location data to help you find nearby properties and show you relevant listings in your area. You can control location permissions in your device settings.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your experience:

What We Collect:

• Cookies: Small text files stored on your device to remember preferences
• Analytics Data: Firebase Analytics collects anonymized usage data
• Session Data: Information about your session to maintain login state

How We Use It:

• Remember your search preferences and filters
• Analyze app performance and user behavior
• Improve app features and user experience
• Provide personalized property recommendations

Your Choices: You can control cookies through your browser or device settings. Note that disabling certain features may affect app functionality.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Provide Services: Enable property search, viewing, and agent communication
• Account Management: Create and manage your user account
• Communication: Send notifications about messages, property updates, or important service changes
• Improve Services: Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
• Security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or security incidents
• Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Marketing: Send promotional communications (with your consent)
• Customer Support: Respond to your inquiries and provide assistance

5. How We Share Your Information

5.1 With Property Agents

When you contact an agent about a property, we share your name, email, phone number (if provided), and your message with the agent responsible for that property. Agents can only see conversations related to properties they manage. Agents cannot see your full browsing history or other properties you've viewed.

5.2 With Service Providers

• Firebase/Google Cloud: For authentication, database, and cloud storage services
• Google Maps: For displaying property locations (no personal data is shared)
• Analytics Services: For app performance and usage analytics (anonymized data)
• Email Service Providers: For sending transactional and marketing emails

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights, property, or safety. This includes responding to requests from law enforcement, regulators, or judicial authorities.

5.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity. We will notify you of any such change and provide options regarding your data.

6. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely using Firebase/Google Cloud Platform services with industry-standard encryption. We implement:

• AES-256 encryption for data at rest
• HTTPS/TLS encryption for data in transit
• Firebase Authentication with two-factor authentication support
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Automated backup and disaster recovery systems

While we implement reasonable security measures, no system is completely secure. We encourage you to use strong passwords and keep your account credentials confidential.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information according to the following schedule:

Active Accounts:

• Account data: While your account is active
• Messages with agents: 2 years from last conversation
• Search history: 1 year from last search
• Property favorites: While your account is active

Deleted Accounts:

• Personal data: Deleted or anonymized within 30 days
• Anonymized analytics: May be retained indefinitely
• Legal requirements: Data retained as required by law (e.g., financial records for 7 years)

Inactive Accounts:

If you don't use the app for 3 years, we may delete your account after notifying you via email 30 days in advance.

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information in your profile
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from promotional communications
• Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format
• Object to Processing: Object to certain types of data processing
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing where applicable

To exercise these rights, contact us at kaya@kaya.homes with your request. We will respond within 30 days as required by law. You may need to verify your identity before we process your request.

9. Marketing Communications

With Your Consent, We May Send:

• Property alerts matching your search criteria
• New listings in your preferred areas
• App updates and new features
• Tips for home buyers and renters
• Special offers and promotions

Your Control:

• Opt-In: You choose which notifications to receive in app settings
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe anytime via email links or app settings
• Frequency: You control how often you receive alerts

We will never sell your email to third parties or spam you. You can opt out of marketing communications while still receiving important account and transactional messages.

10. Data Protection Compliance

We comply with applicable data protection laws, including:

• Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019: We process personal data in accordance with Kenyan law
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): For users accessing our service from the EU
• International Standards: We follow industry best practices for data security

Your Rights Under Kenyan Law:

As per the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your data
• Object to processing
• Withdraw consent
• Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (Kenya)

Data Protection Contact: kaya@kaya.homes

11. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 18, please contact us immediately at kaya@kaya.homes and we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

12. Third-Party Services

Our app uses the following third-party services:

• Firebase Authentication & Cloud Firestore (Google): For user authentication and data storage
• Google Maps: For displaying property locations and interactive maps
• Firebase Cloud Storage: For storing property images and documents
• Firebase Analytics: For app performance and usage analytics
• Firebase Cloud Functions: For server-side processing and security

These services have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review them:

• Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

13. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Kenya, including the United States, where Firebase/Google Cloud servers are located. These countries may have different data protection laws than Kenya. By using our service, you consent to such transfers. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy in the app, updating this web page, and updating the "Effective Date" at the top. For material changes, we may also send you an email notification. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:

For general inquiries about the Kaya Homes app, you may also reach out through the app's support features.