Privacy Policy

Bancario Group (operating as Bancario Self Help Group, Certificate No. MUN/SHG/7061) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of our members, applicants, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the rights you have over your data, in line with the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to register, manage, and support your membership, including:

• Identity Information: Full name, national ID number, date of birth, and physical or postal address.
• Contact Information: Phone number(s), email address, and M-Pesa-registered mobile number used for transactions.
• Financial Information: Savings contribution history, loan applications and repayment records, Chama contribution records, and investment participation details.
• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, and usage data when you visit our website or use the Bancario Online Portal.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To process membership registration, savings contributions, and loan applications (Flexx Loan, Edu Loan, Table Banking Loan, and Premium Loan).
• To calculate loan eligibility, apply interest, and administer the automated late-payment penalty and recovery system.
• To manage Chama contributions, investment allocations (NSE, Money Market Funds, Sacco, real estate), and related project participation such as the Mwea share schemes.
• To communicate important updates, including AGM and Mid-Year Meeting notices, refund schedules, and changes to our products or these policies.
• To comply with applicable legal, regulatory, and reporting obligations under Kenyan law.
• To improve our website, online portal, and member services.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share limited information with:

• Mobile Money & Payment Partners (e.g. M-Pesa/Safaricom) — to process savings contributions, loan disbursements, and withdrawals.
• Investment & Financial Partners — where your pooled contributions are channelled into third-party investment vehicles such as Money Market Funds, Sacco products, or licensed brokers for NSE-listed instruments.
• Regulatory & Government Bodies — where required by law, such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection or relevant financial regulators.
• Professional Advisors — including auditors or legal counsel, strictly for purposes connected to the Group's operations and governance.

4. Data Retention

We retain member records for as long as your membership remains active, and for a reasonable period thereafter to comply with legal, accounting, and reporting obligations, resolve disputes, and maintain historical records of savings, loans, and investment activity.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal and financial information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Access to member financial records is restricted to authorized Group officials, including the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary, and designated administrators of the Bancario Online Portal.

6. Your Rights

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

• Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information.
• Request deletion of your data, subject to our legal and regulatory retention obligations.
• Object to certain uses of your data, or withdraw previously given consent where applicable.
• Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) if you believe your data rights have been violated.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 8 below.

7. Cookies & Website Usage

Our website and the Bancario Online Portal may use cookies or similar technologies to maintain secure sessions, remember preferences, and analyze site usage to improve our services. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings; however, this may affect certain website or portal functionality.

8. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please reach out to us:

• Email: invest@bancariogroup.com
• Report/Complaints: bancariogroup@gmail.com
• Phone / WhatsApp: +254 727 542701
• Office: 2nd Floor, Famous Building, Next to Unitas, Murang'a, opposite Murang'a University
• Postal Address: P.O Box 4485 – 00100, G.P.O, Nairobi, Kenya

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, products, or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on this page along with a revised "Last updated" date. We encourage members to review this page periodically.