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PRIVACY POLICY

ExploreGatanga Directory

Last updated: 5th Feb, 2026


1. Introduction

ExploreGatanga (“we”, “our”, “us”) operates an online business directory available at https://explore.gatanga.org. The platform lists businesses, professionals, institutions, public offices, and community organizations operating within Murang’a County.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal and business information when you use our website, submit listings, claim profiles, or subscribe to paid packages.

By using ExploreGatanga, you agree to the practices described in this policy.


2. Types of Listings & Packages

ExploreGatanga offers three listing packages:

  • Free Listing – basic business information

  • Basic Listing – enhanced business details and visibility

  • Premium Listing – advanced features, priority placement, and additional visibility

Business owners may upgrade from Free to Basic or Premium through paid subscriptions.


3. Information We Collect

a) Business & Listing Information

We collect and display information submitted for directory listings, including:

  • Business or organization name

  • Category and sub-category

  • Business description

  • Physical location or service area

  • Phone number(s)

  • Email address(es)

  • Website and social media links

  • Operating hours

  • Images, logos, and branding materials

This information is intended to be publicly visible on the directory.


b) Personal Information (Business Owners & Users)

We may collect personal information when you:

  • Submit or manage a listing

  • Claim a business profile

  • Upgrade to a paid package

  • Contact us via forms, email, or phone

This may include:

  • Full name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Login or account details

  • Communication messages


c) Payment Information (M-Pesa)

When subscribing to Basic or Premium packages, payments are processed via M-Pesa.

We may collect and store:

  • Transaction reference numbers

  • Amount paid

  • Date and time of payment

  • Phone number used for payment

⚠️ We do not store M-Pesa PINs or sensitive financial credentials.
All payments are handled through secure, third-party payment processing systems.


d) Automatically Collected Information

When you visit ExploreGatanga, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address

  • Browser and device information

  • Pages visited and actions taken

  • Date and time of access

This data is collected through cookies and analytics tools.


4. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

  • Display and manage business listings

  • Verify and administer claimed profiles

  • Process listing upgrades and subscriptions

  • Confirm M-Pesa payments

  • Respond to inquiries and support requests

  • Improve website performance and usability

  • Monitor abuse, fraud, or misuse

  • Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell personal or business data to third parties.


5. Publicly Displayed Information

Information submitted for directory listings (including contact details) is public by default.

If you choose to upgrade to Basic or Premium, additional information may become visible depending on the package features.

If you do not wish certain information to be public, do not include it in your listing.


6. Cookies & Analytics

ExploreGatanga uses cookies to:

  • Improve site functionality

  • Analyze traffic and usage patterns

  • Remember user preferences

We may use third-party services such as:

  • Google Analytics

  • Embedded maps

  • WhatsApp contact links

  • Social media embeds

You can manage cookies through your browser settings.


7. Third-Party Services

We may rely on third-party service providers for:

  • Website hosting

  • Payment processing (M-Pesa)

  • Analytics and performance monitoring

These providers only access information necessary to perform their services and are expected to comply with applicable data protection laws.


8. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We may disclose information only when:

  • Required by law or legal process

  • Necessary to protect our platform, users, or rights

  • Working with trusted service providers under confidentiality obligations


9. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect data from:

  • Unauthorized access

  • Loss or misuse

  • Alteration or disclosure

However, no online system can guarantee absolute security.


10. Data Retention

We retain information:

  • While a listing remains active

  • For subscription and payment record-keeping

  • As required for legal or administrative purposes

You may request removal or correction of your data at any time.


11. Your Rights

In accordance with applicable data protection laws (including the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019), you may request to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Correct inaccurate information

  • Delete your data

  • Withdraw consent

Requests can be made using the contact details below.


12. Children’s Privacy

ExploreGatanga is not intended for children under the age of 18.
We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors.


13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.


14. Contact Information

For questions, data requests, or concerns, contact:

Email: [your official email]
Website: https://explore.gatanga.org