This Privacy Policy describes how Nairobilens (“we”, “us”, or “our”), which publishes Nairobi Lens, collects, uses, stores, and shares personal information when you visit nairobilens.ke and related pages we operate (together, the “Site”). By using the Site, you agree to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Site.
This policy is written to be readable and easy to find. We aim to collect only what we need, explain it plainly, and match what reasonable readers would expect from a news website.
1. Who we are
The Site is operated from Nairobi, Kenya. For data protection questions, you can reach us through our Contact page. Please use “Privacy” or “Data request” in the subject line when your message relates to this policy.
2. Information we collect
We collect information in the following ways:
2.1 Information you provide
- Contact and inquiries — for example, name, email address, phone number, and the content of messages you send via our contact form or email.
- Newsletter or similar sign-ups — if we offer them, email address and any preferences you provide. We will only send marketing or editorial mailings where you have opted in and can unsubscribe at any time.
2.2 Information collected automatically
When you use the Site, we and our service providers may automatically receive technical and usage data, such as:
- IP address, approximate location (often at country or city level), device type, operating system, and browser type
- Pages viewed, time and date of visits, referring URLs, and general interaction data
We use this information to operate the Site, understand readership, improve performance and security, and (where you consent) measure traffic with analytics tools.
2.3 Cookies and similar technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies (for example, pixels or local storage) as described in our cookie and consent experience on the Site. That includes:
- Essential cookies needed for core functionality and security
- Analytics cookies (for example, Google Analytics / GA4) where you have consented, to aggregate how the Site is used
- In the future, advertising or measurement cookies or tags only if we implement them and you have consented through the same or an updated control
You can adjust cookie settings through our banner or your browser. Blocking some cookies may limit certain features.
2.4 Embedded content and third-party platforms
Articles and pages may embed content from third parties (for example, YouTube videos or social posts). Those providers may collect data according to their own policies when you interact with their players or widgets. We encourage you to read their privacy notices.
3. How we use your information
We use personal information to:
- Provide, maintain, and secure the Site
- Respond to messages and support requests
- Send newsletters or updates only where you have subscribed and can opt out
- Measure and improve the Site (including analytics, subject to consent where required)
- Comply with applicable law and respond to lawful requests
We do not sell your personal information. We do not use automated decision-making that produces legal or similarly significant effects solely based on your use of the Site.
4. Legal bases (where applicable)
If laws such as the EU/UK GDPR apply, we rely on one or more of the following, as appropriate:
- Consent — for example, non-essential cookies or marketing email
- Legitimate interests — for example, securing the Site, understanding aggregate readership, and improving our journalism products, balanced against your rights
- Contract — where processing is necessary to respond to your request or provide a service you asked for
- Legal obligation — where we must retain or disclose information to comply with the law
5. Sharing and processors
We may share information with service providers who help us run the Site (for example, hosting, email delivery, analytics, or security). They are permitted to use the data only on our instructions and under appropriate safeguards.
We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or governmental request, or if we reasonably believe disclosure is necessary to protect rights, safety, or integrity of readers, our staff, or the public.
6. International transfers
Some of our providers may process data in countries other than Kenya (for example, the United States or the European Economic Area). Where required by law, we use appropriate safeguards (such as standard contractual clauses or equivalent mechanisms) for such transfers.
7. Retention
We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes above, unless a longer period is required or permitted by law (for example, for legal claims or regulatory obligations). When data is no longer needed, we delete or anonymise it where practicable.
8. Your rights
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to:
- Access a copy of your personal information
- Correct inaccurate data
- Delete your data in certain circumstances
- Object to or restrict certain processing
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
- Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
In Kenya, you may contact the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) about concerns under the Data Protection Act, 2019. To exercise rights with us directly, use the Contact page and describe your request clearly.
9. Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures designed to protect personal information. No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.
10. Children
The Site is intended for a general audience and is not directed at children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate parental authority where required by law. If you believe we have collected a child’s information in error, contact us and we will take steps to delete it where appropriate.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date on the Site will change when we do. Material changes may be highlighted on the Site or through other reasonable means where appropriate.
12. Contact
Questions about this Privacy Policy or privacy requests:
- Contact page — preferred for privacy and data-rights inquiries