Cookie Policy

Effective: Last updated:

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide a better, faster, and more secure experience. This policy also covers similar technologies used in our mobile applications, such as local storage and device identifiers.

2. Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

Required for the Platform to function. These cannot be disabled.

  • Session cookie: Maintains your login session and CSRF protection
  • Authentication token: Identifies your logged-in account
  • Cookie consent: Remembers your cookie preferences

2.2 Functional Cookies

Enhance your experience by remembering your preferences.

  • Search preferences: Remembers your last search filters and location
  • Language and locale: Stores your language preference
  • Recently viewed: Tracks properties you have recently viewed
  • Compare list: Stores properties added to your comparison list

2.3 Analytics Cookies

Help us understand how users interact with our Platform.

  • Page views and navigation: Which pages are visited and in what order
  • Search analytics: Search queries and result interactions (via Typesense analytics)
  • Feature usage: Which tools and features are used most

2.4 Performance Cookies

Ensure the Platform runs efficiently.

  • Cache identifiers: Help deliver cached content faster via Bunny CDN
  • Load balancing: Distribute traffic for optimal performance

3. Mobile App Equivalent Technologies

Our mobile applications (Android and iOS) use technologies equivalent to cookies for similar purposes. Unlike web cookies, these are stored within the app's private storage on your device.

3.1 Local Data Storage (DataStore)

We use Android DataStore (and equivalent iOS storage) to store:

DataPurposeRetention
Onboarding completion flagRemember if you completed the intro tutorialPermanent until app data cleared
Favorite property IDsSave your favorite properties for quick accessUntil you remove them
Recent search queries (up to 10)Show your recent searches for convenienceUntil manually cleared
Recently viewed properties (up to 20)Track properties you've viewed with timestampsUntil manually cleared
Preferred listing type (sale/rent)Remember your browsing preferenceUntil changed
Preferred search locationRemember your preferred search areaUntil changed
Property comparison list (up to 4)Enable property comparison featureUntil you clear the list
Theme preference (dark/light)Remember your display preferenceUntil changed
Push notification preferenceRemember if you enabled/disabled notificationsUntil changed
Notification permission request statusAvoid repeatedly asking for permissionPermanent
Unread notification countDisplay badge count on notificationsUntil notifications are read

3.2 Encrypted Storage

Sensitive data is stored in Android Encrypted SharedPreferences:

DataPurposeRetention
Access tokenAuthenticate API requestsUntil logout or token expiry
Refresh tokenObtain new access tokensUntil logout (30-day expiry)
User type (customer/agent)Route to correct dashboardUntil logout
User IDIdentify authenticated userUntil logout

3.3 Device Identifiers

IdentifierPurposeHow Generated
Device UUIDAnalytics and app diagnosticsGenerated once per installation; regenerated on reinstall
FCM TokenDeliver push notificationsGenerated by Firebase; rotated periodically
Android IDDevice identification for securitySystem-provided; not modifiable by the app

3.4 Local Database Cache (Room)

We cache API responses locally to improve app performance and enable limited offline access:

CachePurposeRetention
Property listings cacheShow properties without re-downloadingRefreshed on each app session
Property details cacheShow property details when offlineRefreshed on each view
Category cacheShow property categoriesRefreshed periodically
County/location cacheShow location dataRefreshed periodically
Reel/video cacheCache video reel dataRefreshed periodically

3.5 Managing Mobile App Data

You can manage all locally stored data through:

  • Device Settings: Settings > Apps > Jumuika > Storage > Clear Data (removes ALL local data)
  • Within the app: Clear search history, remove favorites, and manage preferences individually
  • Uninstalling the app removes all locally stored data from your device

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some third-party services may set their own cookies:

  • Google (Authentication): When using Google Sign-In
  • Facebook (Authentication): When using Facebook Sign-In
  • Apple (Authentication): When using Apple Sign-In
  • Google Maps: When using embedded maps
  • Bunny CDN: For media delivery optimisation

5. Managing Cookies

Website: You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Note that blocking essential cookies will prevent the Platform from functioning properly.

Mobile app: You can manage data storage by clearing app data in your device settings, or by uninstalling the app. Push notification tokens can be managed in notification preferences.

6. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy when we adopt new technologies or practices. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

7. Contact Us

For questions about our use of cookies, contact us at privacy@jumuika.co.ke.