Terms of service

1. About these Terms

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern access to and use of SAFIC AgriIntel (“AgriIntel” or the “Service”), a digital platform operated by Strathmore University through the Strathmore Agri-Food Innovation Center (SAFIC).

By accessing or using the Service, whether through a registered account or otherwise, you agree to comply with these Terms. Where you access or use the Service on behalf of an organisation, you confirm that you have the necessary authority to act on its behalf and bind it to these Terms.

These Terms should be read together with our Privacy Notice and any additional conditions expressly applicable to specific features of the Service. Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes any rights or protections available to users under applicable law.

2. Who may use AgriIntel

You must be at least 18 years old and able to enter into a binding agreement. You may not use the Service if we have previously closed your account for breaching these Terms, or if the law prohibits you from using it.

3. The Service

AgriIntel answers questions about Kenyan agriculture using official statistics, research reports, market data and other sources, and shows the sources behind each answer. It also offers public price and county pages, saved answers, workspaces, shared links and downloads. AgriIntel is currently in beta.

We may modify, update, suspend or discontinue any feature or functionality of the Service where reasonably necessary for operational, technical, security, legal or other legitimate purposes. Where a change materially affects users’ access to or use of the Service, we will provide reasonable advance notice where practicable, except where immediate action is necessary to address security risks, legal obligations or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

We will take reasonable steps to maintain the reliability and availability of the Service but do not guarantee uninterrupted access or the continued availability of any feature.

The Service is currently free of charge. If we introduce fees for any part of it, we will tell you in advance and you will not be charged unless you agree.

4. Your account

You should provide accurate and up-to-date information when registering and keep your account details current. Your account is for your individual use only, and you should keep your login credentials confidential. You are responsible for activities carried out through your account, except where they result from our failure to implement appropriate security measures. You should promptly report any suspected unauthorised access or use to saficai@strathmore.edu. Reasonable usage limits, including limits on questions and downloads, may apply and will be communicated through the Service.

5. Acceptable use

You agree to use AgriIntel lawfully, responsibly and in a manner that respects the rights of others and the security and integrity of the Service. You shall not, whether directly or through another person:

1. Use the Service for any unlawful purpose or in a manner that infringes the rights of others, including their privacy, confidentiality, intellectual property or other legally protected rights.
2. Submit personal data relating to other individuals or confidential information belonging to third parties unless you are lawfully authorised to do so and the disclosure and processing of such information comply with applicable legal requirements.
3. Attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Service, other users’ accounts, systems, networks or information, or circumvent authentication mechanisms, access restrictions, usage limits or other security controls.
4. Scrape, crawl, harvest, bulk-download or systematically extract information, datasets or other content from the Service through automated or manual means, except where expressly permitted through the Service’s functionality or with SAFIC’s prior written authorisation.
5. Use the Service, its content or AI-generated outputs to develop, train, fine-tune, evaluate or improve competing artificial intelligence models, applications or services without SAFIC’s prior written authorisation, except to the extent permitted by applicable law or relevant third-party licences.
6. Interfere with, disrupt, overload or compromise the availability, performance or security of the Service, including by conducting penetration testing, vulnerability scanning or other security assessments without prior written authorisation. Suspected security vulnerabilities should be reported promptly to saficai@strathmore.edu.
7. Introduce malware, malicious code or other harmful material, or submit prompts, instructions or content intended to bypass safeguards, manipulate system behaviour, obtain unauthorised information or compromise the integrity of the Service.
8. Present AI-generated responses as independently verified facts, official statistics, professional advice or the official views, findings or endorsements of Strathmore University, SAFIC or any third-party information provider without appropriate verification or authorisation.
9. Use the Service to harass, intimidate, threaten, discriminate against, defraud, deceive, exploit or otherwise unlawfully harm individuals, organisations or communities.
10. Reproduce, distribute, modify, commercially exploit or otherwise use protected content made available through the Service in violation of applicable intellectual property rights, licensing conditions or these Terms.
11. Encourage, facilitate, enable or assist another person to engage in any activity prohibited under these Terms.

Enforcement. Where we reasonably believe that these requirements have been breached, we may take proportionate measures, including restricting access to specific features, removing unlawful or harmful content, suspending accounts or terminating access to the Service. Where practicable and appropriate, we will notify affected users and provide an opportunity to address the breach. We may take immediate action where necessary to protect users, prevent harm, maintain the security of the Service or comply with applicable law.

6. AI-generated responses

AgriIntel uses artificial intelligence to generate responses based on information available within the Service and, where applicable, from external sources, including the internet. While we take reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy, reliability and relevance of responses and provide supporting references, AI-generated content may contain errors, omissions, outdated information, inaccurate citations or misleading interpretations.

Responses are provided for general informational and research purposes only and do not constitute professional, financial, investment, legal, agronomic, veterinary, policy or other specialised advice. They are not tailored to users’ individual circumstances and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for making decisions. Users should independently verify material information, particularly figures, recommendations and cited sources, and seek appropriate professional advice where necessary.

Users are responsible for exercising reasonable judgment when using, relying on or disseminating AI-generated content, including assessing its suitability for their intended purposes. SAFIC does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of AI-generated responses, but will take reasonable steps to address material inaccuracies or concerns brought to its attention, subject to applicable law.

7. Intellectual property and content rights

The AgriIntel software, design, branding, databases, compilations, analyses and other original content are owned by or licensed to Strathmore University and protected by applicable intellectual property laws. Except as expressly permitted under these Terms or applicable law, you may not reproduce, modify, distribute, commercially exploit or create derivative works from such content without prior written authorisation.

Statistics, publications, datasets and other materials obtained from third parties remain the property of their respective rights holders and are subject to applicable intellectual property laws, licences and usage restrictions. You shall acknowledge the original sources and comply with any applicable licensing and attribution requirements when reproducing or using such materials.

Subject to applicable laws and third-party rights, you may use, reproduce, adapt and share AI-generated responses and downloadable materials for lawful personal, educational, research and professional purposes, including publication in reports and other works. Where applicable, you shall acknowledge the underlying sources and, where reasonably practicable, attribute the content to “SAFIC AgriIntel”. You may not resell, systematically redistribute or commercially exploit the Service or its outputs as a competing data product or service without prior written authorisation. SAFIC does not guarantee that AI-generated outputs are unique, eligible for intellectual property protection or free from third-party rights.

You retain ownership of, and any intellectual property rights in, questions, documents, notes, feedback and other materials you submit to the Service (“User Content”). By submitting User Content, you grant SAFIC a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to host, store, reproduce, process and display it to the extent reasonably necessary to provide, maintain, secure and improve the Service, in accordance with our Privacy Notice and applicable law. This licence does not transfer ownership of your content to SAFIC or authorise its use for unrelated purposes. You confirm that you have the necessary rights and permissions to submit the content.

Where you voluntarily provide suggestions, recommendations or feedback concerning the Service, SAFIC may use them to evaluate, develop and improve AgriIntel without an obligation to compensate you. Any personal data contained in such feedback will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice and applicable data protection law.

8. Shared links

The Service may allow users to generate links through which selected questions, responses or other content can be accessed by third parties. Unless otherwise indicated, anyone in possession of a shared link may access the associated content without authentication.

Users are responsible for reviewing content before sharing it and ensuring that they have the necessary rights and permissions to disclose any personal, confidential or third-party information contained in it.

Users may revoke shared links using the functionality provided by the Service. Revocation will prevent further access through the relevant link but will not necessarily remove information previously downloaded, copied or otherwise retained by recipients.

SAFIC may restrict or disable shared links where reasonably necessary to protect personal data, prevent unlawful disclosure or address other material risks.

9. Third-party sources and websites

AgriIntel may retrieve, reference, summarise or link to information published by third parties, including public institutions, research organisations, data providers and external websites.

Such information remains subject to the intellectual property rights, licensing conditions and other applicable requirements of its original publishers. Although SAFIC takes reasonable steps to identify and reference relevant sources, it does not independently verify every item of third-party information or guarantee its accuracy, completeness, currency or suitability for a particular purpose.

The inclusion of third-party information does not constitute an endorsement of the relevant publisher, its services or the views expressed in the source material. Nothing in this clause excludes SAFIC’s responsibility for its own acts or omissions where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

10. Privacy and data protection

We are committed to protecting personal data processed through AgriIntel in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 2019, the regulations made under the Act and other applicable data protection laws.

Our Privacy Notice explains the categories of personal data we collect, the purposes and lawful bases for processing, disclosures to third parties, international transfers, retention periods, security measures and the rights available to data subjects.

Where users submit personal data relating to other individuals, they should ensure that the disclosure is lawful and that any applicable data protection obligations have been satisfied.

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes the rights of data subjects or the obligations and liabilities of data controllers and data processors under applicable data protection law.

11. Suspension and termination

SAFIC may suspend, restrict or terminate access to the Service where there are reasonable grounds to believe that a user has materially breached these Terms, engaged in unlawful conduct, compromised the security or integrity of the Service, or created a material risk to other users or third parties.

Any suspension or termination will be proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the circumstances. Where reasonably practicable and lawful, SAFIC will notify the affected user of the reasons for the proposed action and provide an opportunity to respond or remedy the breach before termination.

Immediate suspension may be undertaken where necessary to address urgent security threats, prevent unlawful activity or comply with applicable legal obligations.

Upon termination, access to the account will cease, and personal data will be retained, deleted or anonymised in accordance with our Privacy Notice and applicable law.

Termination will not affect rights, obligations or liabilities that accrued before the effective date of termination.

12. Disclaimer

AgriIntel is provided as an information and decision-support service. While SAFIC takes reasonable steps to maintain the quality, security, availability and reliability of the Service, AI-generated responses and third-party information may contain errors, omissions or inaccuracies.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, SAFIC does not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free or suitable for every intended purpose.

Users are encouraged to independently verify information before relying on it for decisions that may have significant financial, agricultural, commercial, legal or other consequences.

Nothing in this clause excludes or limits any warranty, duty, right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted, including rights arising under applicable consumer protection and data protection laws.

13. Limitation of liability

To the extent permitted by applicable law, SAFIC shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, special or consequential losses arising from the use of or inability to access the Service, including loss of profits, revenue, business opportunities or anticipated savings.

SAFIC shall not be responsible for losses arising solely from a user’s unreasonable reliance on AI-generated information without appropriate verification, except to the extent that such losses are attributable to SAFIC’s acts or omissions for which liability may arise under applicable law.

Subject to any liability that cannot lawfully be limited or excluded, SAFIC’s aggregate contractual liability arising from the use of the Service shall not exceed the greater of the fees paid by the user during the twelve months preceding the event giving rise to the claim or Kenya Shillings Ten Thousand (KES 10,000).

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes liability for fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, death or personal injury caused by negligence, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be limited or excluded, including liability arising under applicable consumer protection and data protection laws.

14. Indemnity

To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to indemnify SAFIC against reasonable and directly attributable losses, damages, costs and third-party claims arising from your material breach of these Terms, unlawful use of the Service or infringement of the rights of third parties.

This obligation shall apply only to the extent that the relevant loss or claim is attributable to your acts or omissions and shall not extend to losses arising from SAFIC’s negligence, breach of these Terms, failure to comply with applicable law or other acts or omissions for which SAFIC is responsible.

SAFIC shall take reasonable steps to mitigate any loss for which indemnification is sought and shall provide reasonable notice of any third-party claim.

15. Changes to these Terms

SAFIC may amend these Terms to reflect changes in the Service, operational requirements, applicable laws or other legitimate circumstances.

Where an amendment materially affects users’ rights or obligations, SAFIC will provide at least thirty days’ advance notice through the Service, email or another appropriate communication channel, unless a shorter period is reasonably necessary to comply with the law or address urgent security or operational risks.

The revised Terms will indicate their effective date. Users who do not accept material amendments may discontinue use of the Service and request closure of their accounts before the amendments take effect.

Where applicable law requires express consent or other affirmative acceptance of revised terms, SAFIC will obtain such acceptance before applying the relevant amendments.

16. Governing law and disputes

These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Kenya.

Where a dispute arises in connection with these Terms or the use of the Service, the parties shall first seek to resolve it amicably through good-faith discussions.

If the dispute remains unresolved for thirty days after written notification, either party may propose mediation or pursue an appropriate remedy before a court or other competent authority.

Nothing in this clause prevents a party from seeking urgent interim or protective relief, exercising a statutory right, lodging a complaint with a competent regulatory authority or commencing proceedings where required or permitted by applicable law.

Subject to applicable law, the courts of Kenya shall have jurisdiction over disputes arising from these Terms.

17. Notification of AI-related incidents

Where SAFIC becomes aware of a material error, system malfunction or other incident affecting the reliability, integrity or security of AgriIntel, it will take reasonable and proportionate steps to investigate, mitigate and address the incident.

Where the incident may materially affect users or their information, SAFIC will provide appropriate notifications in accordance with applicable law and the nature of the incident.

18. General

• Entire agreement. These Terms and the Privacy Notice are the whole agreement between you and us about the Service.
• Severability. If a court finds any part of these Terms unenforceable, the rest remains in effect.
• No waiver. If we do not enforce a right straight away, we can still enforce it later.
• Transfer. You may not transfer your rights under these Terms. We may transfer ours to an organisation that takes over the Service, without reducing your rights.
• Events outside our control. We are not responsible for delays or failures caused by events beyond our reasonable control.
• Notices. We may send notices to the email address on your account or show them in the Service. You can send notices to the contact details below.
• Language. These Terms are written in English, which prevails over any translation.

19. Contact us