Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the e-Rugah platform ("the Platform"), you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provision of this agreement. If you do not agree to abide by the above, please do not use this service.

2. Service Description

e-Rugah is a digital platform that connects customers with professional chefs and culinary service providers. The Platform facilitates the booking of private chef services, event catering, menu customization, and culinary experiences.

Services Include:

• Private chef booking for events and occasions
• Custom menu creation and food preparation
• Event catering services
• Hotel and restaurant chef partnerships
• Menu management and selection services
• Culinary consultations and recommendations

3. User Accounts and Registration

3.1 Account Creation

To use certain features of the Platform, you must create an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information to keep it accurate, current, and complete.

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and password. You agree to accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

3.3 User Types

The Platform accommodates multiple user types:

• Customers: Individuals seeking chef services and event catering
• Chefs/Service Providers: Professional culinary experts offering services
• Hotel/Restaurant Partners: Establishments listing chef expertise and services
• Administrators: Platform management and support personnel

4. User Responsibilities

4.1 Prohibited Conduct

Users agree not to:

• Provide false, inaccurate, or misleading information
• Engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Platform
• Post inappropriate, offensive, or discriminatory content
• Engage in spam or unsolicited communications
• Use automated tools to scrape or collect data

4.2 Chef/Provider Responsibilities

Chefs and service providers agree to:

• Provide accurate information about qualifications, experience, and specializations
• Maintain professional conduct and hygiene standards
• Honor confirmed bookings and agreed-upon terms
• Maintain necessary food handling certifications
• Provide quality service as described
• Respect client privacy and confidentiality

5. Booking and Payment Terms

5.1 Booking Process

Bookings are made through the Platform and are subject to:

• Availability of the selected chef or service provider
• Completion of required information and payment
• Acceptance by the service provider
• Compliance with event requirements and dietary restrictions

5.2 Payment Processing

All payments are processed securely through our integrated M-Pesa payment system. By submitting payment information:

• You authorize the transaction for the agreed-upon amount
• You confirm the payment method is yours or authorized for your use
• You accept responsibility for any payment disputes
• All transactions are subject to M-Pesa terms and conditions

5.3 Pricing and Deposits

Customers may be required to pay a deposit to confirm bookings. The deposit amount and balance payment terms will be clearly displayed before booking confirmation. Additional charges may apply for customizations, rush requests, or special requirements.

5.4 Cancellation and Refunds

Cancellation policies vary based on the service provider and event type. Customers should review the specific cancellation policy before booking. Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 7-14 business days from the date of cancellation request.

6. Intellectual Property Rights

All content on the Platform, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, menus, recipes, and software, is the property of e-Rugah or its content suppliers and is protected by international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or transmit any content without prior written permission.

7. Liability and Disclaimers

7.1 Disclaimer of Warranties

The Platform is provided on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis. e-Rugah makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the Platform's performance or fitness for a particular purpose.

7.2 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, e-Rugah shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Platform or services.

7.3 Third-Party Content

e-Rugah is not responsible for third-party websites, links, or content accessed through the Platform. Users access external links at their own risk.

8. Health and Safety

While e-Rugah takes reasonable measures to verify chef credentials and food safety practices, users should:

• Inform chefs of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance
• Verify chef qualifications and certifications directly if needed
• Report any food safety concerns immediately
• Understand that e-Rugah is not responsible for allergic reactions or food-related health issues unless caused by provider negligence

9. Dispute Resolution

9.1 Communication

In case of disputes, users agree to first attempt resolution through direct communication with the other party and e-Rugah support.

9.2 Arbitration

Any disputes that cannot be resolved informally shall be subject to binding arbitration in Nairobi, Kenya, in accordance with Kenyan law.

10. Verification and Identity

e-Rugah may require verification of identity through:

• Email address verification
• SMS verification via Twilio
• Phone number verification
• Document verification for providers

11. Modification of Terms

e-Rugah reserves the right to modify these Terms & Conditions at any time. Continued use of the Platform following modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

12. Termination

e-Rugah may terminate or suspend your account immediately, without prior notice or liability, for:

• Violations of these Terms & Conditions
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Repeated violations of Platform policies
• Harassment or abuse of other users

13. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kenya, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.

14. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact:

• Email: reply@erugah.vegrid.co.ke
• Phone: +254 720 336730