Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 2026
1. Introduction
The Margin ("we," "us," or "our") operates the website themarginstat.com and associated services (the "Platform"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our Platform, in compliance with the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019, and the Data Protection (General) Regulations, 2021.
2. Data Controller
The Margin serves as the Data Controller for all personal data collected through the Platform. For any data protection queries, you may contact us at [email protected].
3. Information We Collect
Account Information: Name, email address, and password when you register for an account.
Contact Data: Name, email, and message content submitted through our contact forms.
Subscription Data: Email addresses collected through newsletter sign-ups.
Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, referral sources, browser type, and device information collected automatically through analytics.
Election & Research Data: Publicly available election data, polling information, and datasets uploaded for analysis. This may include aggregated demographic and geographic information at the county and constituency level.
Payment Information: If applicable, payment details are processed through secure third-party payment processors. We do not store credit card numbers on our servers.
4. Legal Basis for Processing
Under the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019, we process your data based on:
- Consent: Newsletter subscriptions, contact form submissions
- Contract Performance: Account creation, service delivery
- Legitimate Interest: Platform analytics, security, and service improvement
- Legal Obligation: Compliance with Kenyan laws and regulatory requirements
5. How We Use Your Information
- Provide and maintain the Platform and its features
- Process account registration and authentication
- Deliver election analytics, data visualizations, and research insights
- Send newsletters and platform updates (with your consent)
- Respond to contact form submissions and support inquiries
- Analyze Platform usage to improve performance and user experience
- Ensure the security and integrity of the Platform
- Comply with applicable laws, including the Elections Act and IEBC regulations
6. Data Sharing & Disclosure
We do not sell your personal data. We may share information with:
- Service Providers: Hosting, analytics, and email services that assist Platform operations
- Legal Requirements: When required by Kenyan law, court order, or regulatory authority
- Research Partners: Aggregated, anonymized election data may be shared for legitimate research purposes
7. Cross-Border Data Transfers
Some of our service providers may be located outside Kenya. In such cases, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place as required by the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019, including ensuring the receiving country provides adequate data protection standards or entering into appropriate contractual arrangements.
8. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal data, including encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS), secure password hashing, role-based access control, and regular security assessments. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy or as required by law. Account data is retained for the duration of your account. Analytics data may be retained in anonymized form indefinitely. You may request deletion of your account and associated personal data at any time.
10. Your Rights
Under the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019, you have the right to:
- Access your personal data held by us
- Rectify inaccurate or incomplete personal data
- Delete your personal data (subject to legal obligations)
- Restrict or object to processing of your personal data
- Data portability — receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
- Withdraw consent at any time for consent-based processing
- Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC)
To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected].
11. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use essential cookies for authentication and session management. Our analytics system collects anonymized usage data (page views, referrers) to improve the Platform. We do not use third-party advertising cookies or cross-site tracking.
12. Children's Privacy
The Platform is not directed at individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal data, we will take steps to delete such information.
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through the Platform or via email. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
14. Contact Information
For questions about this Privacy Policy or data protection matters, contact:
The Margin
Email: [email protected]
Nairobi, Kenya
You may also contact the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC):
Website: www.odpc.go.ke