Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing, registering for, or using UshirikaApp (the “Service”), including our web dashboard, mobile applications, and payment processing integrations, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you are entering into these Terms on behalf of a church, branch, or corporate entity, you represent that you have the legal authority to bind that entity.

2. Description of Service & Account Responsibilities

UshirikaApp provides software-as-a-service tools designed for congregation management, communication, ministry events, sermon distribution, and digital giving.

• Organization Accounts: Each church tenant is responsible for maintaining administrative credentials and managing role-based access for staff and volunteers.
• Member Accounts: Members are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of OTP codes and login credentials.
• Acceptable Use: You agree not to use the Service for unlawful activities, transmitting fraudulent financial data, or distributing abusive or malicious content.

3. Payment Processing & Paystack Compliance

UshirikaApp integrates with Paystack (a regulated Payment Service Provider in Kenya) to facilitate online tithes, offerings, event registrations, and split-payment routing between church headquarters and branch accounts.

• Direct Gateway Routing: UshirikaApp operates strictly as a technical integration layer. We do not hold, pool, or take custody of church financial contributions. All contributions are transferred directly to the bank accounts or M-Pesa subaccounts designated by the church.
• KYC & Subaccount Verification: To receive settlements, church organizations must complete all Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements mandated by Paystack (KRA PINs, Registration Certificates, Bank verification).
• Fees, Refunds & Dispute Resolution: Standard third-party processing fees (such as Paystack gateway and mobile money carrier charges) apply to processed contributions. Because funds are transferred directly into the church's designated subaccounts and UshirikaApp does not pool congregation funds, we cannot unilaterally issue direct contribution refunds. If a member requires a transaction reversal, refund, or wishes to report a giving dispute, the member must contact their local church administrator. Once approved by church leadership, the church administrator can coordinate the authorized reversal through our technical team at geraldg652@gmail.com, and the funds will be reversed via the Paystack gateway.

4. Data Protection & Kenyan ODPC Compliance

In accordance with the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019, and guidance from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC):

• Roles: For congregation data entered into the platform, the client Church organization acts as the Data Controller, and UshirikaApp acts as the Data Processor.
• Sensitive Personal Data: Financial giving records and religious affiliation are classified as Sensitive Personal Data under Kenyan law. Church tenants warrant they have obtained explicit consent from members before recording sensitive data.
• Security Safeguards: We implement robust safeguards including Row-Level Security (RLS) and encryption.

5. Intellectual Property & User Content

UshirikaApp retains all right, title, and interest in and to the platform software, design, architecture, and trademarks. Client organizations and members retain full ownership of all logos, sermons, media, prayer requests, and data uploaded to their workspace.

6. Limitation of Liability & Termination

The Service is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. In no event shall UshirikaApp be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from service interruptions, mobile money network delays, or banking gateway downtime. Either party may terminate account services with written notice.

7. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kenya. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be submitted to competent courts or arbitration in Nairobi, Kenya.