Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Africa Alliance for Health Research and Economic Development (AAHRED) is 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 visit our website or participate in our programs.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

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

• Register for our programs or services
• Fill out forms on our website
• Contact us via email, phone, or contact forms
• Subscribe to our newsletters or communications
• Participate in surveys, workshops, or events
• Apply for entrepreneurship training or business support

This information may include:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number, address)
• Demographic information (age, gender, location)
• Business information (business name, industry, size)
• Educational and professional background
• Financial information (for loan applications or funding requests)
• Any other information you choose to provide

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Click patterns and website navigation

3. How We Use Your Information

AAHRED uses the collected information for various purposes, including:

• Providing and managing our programs and services
• Processing applications for training, support, and funding
• Communicating with you about our programs, events, and opportunities
• Sending newsletters and updates (with your consent)
• Improving our website, programs, and services
• Conducting research and analysis to better serve our community
• Evaluating the impact and effectiveness of our programs
• Complying with legal obligations and regulations
• Protecting against fraud and security threats
• Facilitating partnerships and connections with relevant stakeholders

4. How We Share Your Information

AAHRED respects your privacy and does not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Your Consent

We may share your information when you have given us explicit permission to do so.

4.2 Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as website hosting, data analysis, email delivery, and program administration. These providers are contractually bound to protect your information.

4.3 Partner Organizations

We may share information with partner organizations, financial institutions, and government agencies when necessary to deliver our programs, facilitate funding opportunities, or comply with program requirements.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or governmental request, or when necessary to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others.

5. Data Security

AAHRED implements appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data
• Secure server infrastructure
• Regular security audits and assessments
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• 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 Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

7. Your Privacy Rights

You have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You can request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: You can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: You can request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal requirements
• Objection: You can object to the processing of your information in certain circumstances
• Restriction: You can request restriction of processing of your information
• Portability: You can request transfer of your information to another organization
• Withdraw consent: You can withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us understand how you use our website and improve our services.

We use cookies for:

• Essential website functionality
• Remembering your preferences
• Analyzing website traffic and usage patterns
• Improving user experience

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our website.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Kenya. When we transfer information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

AAHRED reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

14. Compliance with Kenyan Law

This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with the Data Protection Act of Kenya and other applicable data protection laws and regulations. AAHRED is committed to handling personal information in accordance with the highest standards of privacy protection.