Terms and conditions
Last modified: December 1, 2025
1. Introduction and Acceptance
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your membership and use of services provided by Mumias East Agribusiness Limited (“MEAL,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), a farmer-owned service company registered under the Cooperative Societies Act of Kenya.
By registering as a member or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not register for membership or use our services.
2. Membership
2.1 Eligibility
Membership is open to any person who:
- Is a resident of Mumias East Sub-County or neighboring areas
- Is at least 18 years of age
- Has a valid National Identification Card
- Agrees to abide by the By-Laws of the organization
- Pays the required membership fee
2.2 Membership Categories
MEAL offers three membership categories:
- Basic Member: KES 500 annual fee with access to core services
- Premium Member: KES 1,500 annual fee with enhanced benefits including credit access
- Commercial Member: KES 5,000 annual fee for larger-scale farmers with full benefits
2.3 Membership Fees
Membership fees are:
- Due annually on the anniversary of your registration date
- Non-refundable once paid
- Subject to change with notice at the Annual General Meeting
2.4 Membership Termination
Membership may be terminated:
- By voluntary withdrawal with written notice
- For failure to pay membership fees for two consecutive years
- For violation of these Terms or organizational By-Laws
- By expulsion following disciplinary proceedings
3. Services
3.1 Produce Aggregation
Our produce aggregation services are subject to:
- Quality standards as communicated at aggregation centers
- Prevailing market prices posted at collection points
- Available storage capacity and market demand
- Verification of member status at point of delivery
Payment for produce is typically processed within 48 hours for spot purchases or as specified in any contract arrangement.
3.2 Credit Services
Credit facilities are available to eligible members subject to:
- Completion of financial literacy training
- Satisfactory credit assessment
- Provision of required guarantors
- Acceptance of credit terms and conditions
Credit is typically repaid through deductions from produce sales. Failure to repay credit may result in legal action and membership suspension.
3.3 Input Supply
Farm inputs are supplied to members at prices determined by MEAL. Members acknowledge that:
- Stock availability is not guaranteed
- Prices may change without prior notice
- Credit terms for inputs are subject to approval
- Returns are only accepted for defective products
3.4 Training Programs
Training programs are offered based on availability and funding. MEAL reserves the right to:
- Limit attendance based on capacity
- Prioritize members based on objective criteria
- Cancel or reschedule programs when necessary
- Charge fees for specialized training
4. Member Obligations
As a member, you agree to:
- Provide accurate and complete information during registration
- Update your information when changes occur
- Maintain good standing by paying fees and honoring credit obligations
- Deliver produce of honest quality without adulteration
- Participate in cooperative activities including AGMs
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
- Respect other members and MEAL staff
5. Prohibited Conduct
Members are prohibited from:
- Providing false information or forged documents
- Adulterating or tampering with produce quality
- Defaulting on credit obligations without valid reason
- Engaging in fraudulent activities
- Damaging MEAL property or reputation
- Harassing or threatening MEAL staff or other members
- Unauthorized use of MEAL’s name or brand
6. Governance
6.1 Democratic Participation
MEAL operates on democratic cooperative principles. Premium and Commercial members in good standing have the right to:
- Vote at the Annual General Meeting (one member, one vote)
- Stand for election to the Board of Directors
- Receive annual reports and financial statements
- Raise motions for consideration by the membership
6.2 Dispute Resolution
Disputes shall be resolved through:
- First, direct negotiation with MEAL management
- Second, mediation by the Supervisory Committee
- Third, arbitration as provided in the By-Laws
- Finally, referral to the Commissioner of Cooperatives if unresolved
7. Website Use
7.1 Acceptable Use
You agree to use our website only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You shall not:
- Use the website in any way that violates applicable laws
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems or data
- Transmit malware or harmful code
- Interfere with the proper working of the website
7.2 Member Portal
Access to the member portal is personal and non-transferable. You are responsible for:
- Maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials
- All activities that occur under your account
- Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use
8. Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of MEAL or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.
9. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
- MEAL provides services on an “as is” basis without warranties of any kind
- MEAL is not liable for crop failures, market price fluctuations, or force majeure events
- MEAL’s total liability shall not exceed the fees paid by you in the preceding year
- MEAL is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
10. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless MEAL, its directors, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your violation of these Terms or your use of our services.
11. Amendments
MEAL reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Significant changes will be communicated through:
- Notice at the Annual General Meeting
- SMS notification to registered members
- Posting on our website
Continued membership after changes constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.
12. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Kenya, including the Cooperative Societies Act and related regulations. Any disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Kenyan courts.
13. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
14. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, please contact:
Mumias East Agribusiness Limited