Safaricom PLC has unveiled four new millionaires in the ongoing Shangwe @25 consumer promotion, bringing the total number of winners to five since the campaign launched two weeks ago.
The newly announced winners, Josephine Waswa from Bungoma, Bernice Mumo from Makueni, Abdi Dahir from Garissa, and Josephat Mwilaria from Athi River, join 20-year-old Yvonne Wanjiku Kang’ara from Ngeu, Kiambu County, who was unveiled as the first millionaire. Each winner will receive KSh 1 million, along with an additional KSh 250,000 to support a community project of their choice, as part of Safaricom’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
During the award ceremony in Bungoma, 36-year-old sugarcane farmer Josephine Waswa expressed disbelief and joy while receiving her cheque, terming the moment a great blessing and truly life-changing.
“I can’t believe that the small KSh 19 airtime I bought on M-PESA has turned me into a millionaire. My plan is to expand my farming business and buy land to build a home. For the community project, I will support Kasosi Primary School in Mabanga by making desks for Grade 1, 2, and 3 pupils, easing the shortage that currently forces up to six learners to share one desk.
For 26-year-old Bernice Mumo, a frequent user of M-PESA, the win came at a defining moment as she continues to search for employment after completing her course in cosmetology. She had bought airtime and paid for her Wi-Fi using M-PESA, simple transactions that ended up turning her into a millionaire.
“I am still in shock. I always see people winning, but I never imagined I would one day be one of them. I will channel my community project funds into constructing and equipping a laboratory at Mwalano Dispensary in Mukaa, Makueni County, to reduce the long distances residents walk for diagnostic services. I believe this will be a huge relief for the people in my community”.
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25-year-old Abdi Dahir, a turn boy from Garissa and the firstborn supporting his entire family was overwhelmed with gratitude as he received the news of his win.
“Everyone in our family depends on me. I really don’t know what to say or how best to thank Safaricom for locating me. I can’t believe that the small credit I always buy to make calls to customers has made me a young millionaire. This win is life-changing for my family, as it will help me support them and also build my mum a house back in Garissa. For the community, I want to support Sangailu Primary School here in Garissa with water tanks and desks,” said Abdi Dahir.
Meanwhile, 51-year-old Josephat Mwilaria, a businessman from Athi River, initially doubted the win due to a past experience with fraud. He only believed it after visiting a Safaricom shop for confirmation. Joseph says he conducts all his transactions, including paying bills, through M-PESA because it is convenient and secure, which is ultimately what led to his win. He plans to reinvest in his business and use the community funds to support Pillars of Hope Children’s Home through food donations and school fees for selected children.
Since its launch, Shangwe @25 has been rewarding thousands of customers daily and weekly with cash prizes, data bundles, devices, and business support tools. Each week, over 800 customers win amounts of KSh 10,000, KSh 50,000, and KSh 100,000, contributing to more than 50,000 weekly winners. More than 5 million customers are expected to win prizes worth KSh 250 million over the promotion period.
Customers can participate by transacting on M-PESA, sending money, paying with M-PESA, using or redeeming Bonga Points, or purchasing Safaricom products such as data bundles, voice bundles, digital services, or Home Fibre subscriptions. Merchants and M-PESA agents also qualify through Buy Goods, Pochi La Biashara, and transactions of KSh 1,000 and above.
Dial *334# to access all M-PESA Services.
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