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Say goodbye to transaction costs: Benefits of using Co-op Bank prepaid card

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Making payments with prepaid cards is one of the most efficient ways to avoid transaction costs in an economy where digital payments are on the rise.

A prepaid card is a reloadable payment card with funds loaded onto it in advance. The card works like a debit card but isn’t linked to a bank account, offering better spending control, easier approval and limited loss if lost.

The Co-op Bank prepaid card comes with multiple benefits and can be used to make payments in Kenya, abroad or online, or to withdraw cash from any Visa-branded ATM.

It can also be used as a pocket money card for students. The parent or guardian can load the card anytime from M-Pesa, at any Co-op Bank branch or any Co-op Kwa Jirani agent.

The student can use the card to pay for back-to-school shopping in supermarkets & other outlets, pay for snacks and other items at the school canteen, withdraw cash from any Co-op Bank ATM or Co-op Kwa Jirani Agent, or manage expenses during school holidays.

Benefits of having a Co-op prepaid card

Free transactions

There’s no charge for making payments with your Prepaid Card. The only amount that is deducted from the card is the cost of the item or service you are paying for.

You can pay any amount with your Prepaid card; it’s just like paying with cash.

Safety and convenience

It is safer to carry a Card than to carry cash. Even if the card is lost or stolen, it cannot be used without your secret PIN for amounts above Sh2,000.

Co-op Prepaid cards have a tiny chip embedded in the card, making the card virtually impossible to copy. In case the card is stolen, inform Co-op Bank immediately to block it.

Track your spending

You get SMS alerts on your mobile phone (if you have opted for them) every time you use the Pre-paid Card.

If the card is being used by your child in school, it is the parent who will get the SMS alerts so they will know when to top up the card.

Also, you can receive monthly account statements or print mini statements at any Co-op Bank ATM or Co-op Kwa Jirani Agent.

This allows you to see where you’re spending your money in real-time, and can help you to budget your monthly expenses.

Also Read: How to apply for Co-op Bank prepaid card

Kenya to pay China firm Sh103bn if Nairobi Expressway deal ends prematurely

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If Kenya cancelled the Nairobi Expressway deal prematurely, taxpayers would be forced to pay its Chinese contractor Sh103 billion.

This has been revealed by the National Treasury in disclosures that have lifted the lid on the level of leeway that the Kenya government was forced to give to have the road constructed. The Nairobi Expressway was built on a public-private-partnership deal that would last for about three decades.

It is currently operated by Moja Expressway which is a subsidiary of the China Road and Bridge Construction (CRBC).

The CRBC is one of the major construction companies that will build the Rironi-Mau Summit Expressway, which will be Kenya’s second toll road. The firm’s other major project in Kenya has been the Sh474 billion Mombasa-Naivasha standard gauge rail (SGR).

“Assuming the worst-case scenario of termination of PPP projects due to contracting authority default, the maximum termination sums as at financing close for executed projects have been reported as the contingent liability,” the National Treasury said in its Annual Public Debt Report for the financial year 2024/25.

“As of the end of June 2025… total estimated exposure related to termination sum payments amounts to Sh203 billion. Assuming 5.0 percent probability of termination by the contracting authorities, contingent liability associated with PPP projects arising from project termination payments is Sh10.19 billion as of end of June 2025.”

The termination charge that would be slapped on Nairobi Expressway accounts for more than half of the estimated Sh203 billion that is quoted by the National Treasury as the PPP cancellation fee for eleven infrastructure projects.

READ MORE: The problems with mega Rironi-Mau Summit A8 toll highway deal 

The Expressway is made up of around 27.1 kilometres covering the distance from Westlands in Nairobi to Mlolongo. It was constructed at a fee of around Sh70.78 billion. Initially, the road was estimated to cost some Sh65.2 billion. The least amount paid to use the road if Sh170 while the highest amount is Sh500.

List of Kenyans labeled worst of the worst to be deported from US

Kenyans are among criminals who have been named in a fresh list of persons the United States has labeled as the worst of the worst. The list features fifteen Kenyans made up of fourteen men and one woman. Everyone in the worst of the worst list is set to be deported from US.

This list was published by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “The US Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the department said in a notice.

“The hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst – including the illegal aliens you see here.”

The Kenyans include Collins Keanche who was arrested in Saint Cloud Minnesota. Keanche was arrested and convicted for forgery of checks and money laundering. Kevin Gunyanyi who was arrested in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Gunyanyi was convicted for assault, threat terroristic state offenses, and simple assault.

Boniface Mburu who was arrested in Marietta, Georgia, Mburu was arrested and convicted for aggravated assault involving weapon and stolen property.

Anthony Karia who was arrested in Seattle, Washington. Karia was arrested and convicted of fraud involving false statement, and a hit and run. Francis Mungai who was arrested in Burlington, Massachusetts. Mungai was convicted for receiving stolen property.

Naserian Montet who was arrested in Spanish Fork, Utah. Naserian is the only woman in the list. She was convicted of assault and violation of a court order. Moffat Muriithi who was arrested in Seguin, Texas. Muriithi was arrested and convicted of dangerous drugs.

Mohamed Chekchekani who was arrested in San Pedron, California. Mohamed was arrested and convicted of kidnap of a minor, racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations Act (RICO).

The list also includes Clement Mulovi who was arrested in Houston, Texas. Mulovi was convicted of fraud. Moses Okoth who was arrested in Nashville, Tennessee. Okoth was convicted of aggravated assault involving a weapon.

Isaac Githinji who was arrested in Apache Junction, Arizona. Githinji was convicted of flight to avoid prosecution, and confinement. Daniel Kathii who was arrested in Conroe, Texas. Kathii was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Patrick Mwangi who was arrested in San Antonio, Texas. Mwangi was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol. Bethuel Gathu who was arrested in Chowchilla, California. Gathu was convicted of robbery. Alfred Obiero who was arrested in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was convicted of assault, driving under the influence liquor and domestic violence.

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Username sacco launches ‘Username Tiba’ medical cover and financing option to boost members

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Username Sacco has officially announced the launch of Username Tiba, a new, innovative medical insurance cover designed to offer Username Sacco members and their families access to affordable health care. To complement this major milestone, Username Sacco has also introduced their financing option, namely Username Tiba Loan, which will enable members to comfortably pay for medical insurance premiums.

This dual launch reveals a significant milestone towards strengthening the members’ welfare by helping remove any finance-related barriers that many Kenyans face in a bid to access quality healthcare. Username Tiba offers daily rates starting from as low as Kshs. 35 and this ensures that members can easily secure reliable medical covers tailored to their household sizes.

Speaking during the launch, Head of Sacco Operations Mercy Gakonyo stated that, “Families of all sizes can now access the medical cover without any financial strain. Additionally, in situations where premiums may feel heavy, the Tiba Loan provides a seamless and member-friendly solution, including payments as low as Kshs. 35 daily. Mercy emphasized that the loan facility ensures that no member is left behind due to financial challenges, reaffirming the Sacco’s commitment to meaningful and long-term value.

Available daily family premium rates:

  • Single: Kshs. 35

  • Family of 2: Kshs. 50

  • Family of 3: Kshs. 75

  • Family of 4: Kshs. 90

  • Family of 5: Kshs. 100

  • Family of 6: Kshs. 105

  • Family of 7: Kshs. 115

While giving her remarks, the CEO of Username Sacco also emphasized that the launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for Username Sacco where member protection, peace of mind and financial security are placed at the forefront.

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“Today, we are not just launching a product, but we are here to celebrate progress. Our members deserve solutions that safeguard their well-being while supporting their financial stability. Username Tiba and Username Tiba loan are here to do just that,” Sarah Wahogo stated.

Eligibility for the Tiba Loan is open to all Username SACCO members. By leveraging this loan, members can spread the cost of insurance over a full year, gain peace of mind and safeguard themselves against unexpected medical expenses.

African finance leaders call for stronger cross-border investment frameworks at AfIC 2025

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Top finance and policy leaders from across Africa today urged the continent to accelerate cross-border investment frameworks, strengthen capital market cooperation, and unlock Africa-driven funding models to fuel long-term economic growth. This collective call to action was issued in Nairobi during the official opening of the Africa Investment Conference (AfIC) 2025, a premier gathering that convenes the continent’s most influential investors, policymakers, financial professionals, institutional leaders, and private-sector executives.

Hosted by CFA Society East Africa, the annual forum held under the theme “Africa Investing in Africa: Solutions to Challenges”, provides a platform for African and global decision-makers to develop strategies capable of transforming the continent’s investment landscape over the coming decade. This year’s convening arrives at a pivotal moment, as Africa faces evolving global economic dynamics, rising capital needs, and growing urgency to harness the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the chief Guest, Mr. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar – Principal Secretary, State Department for Investment Promotion, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, delivered a powerful keynote calling for renewed commitment to regional investment integration and the strengthening of Africa’s financial systems.

“Africa is at a turning point and for us to compete globally, we must unlock capital within our borders, accelerate the growth of both our private and public capital markets, and build deeper financial market linkages. AfIC 2025 provides the collaborative platform to move from ideas to coordinated action,” said Mr. Abubakar

He noted that with Africa’s demographic growth, expanding urban centers, and increased appetite for infrastructure and technology investment, the continent can no longer rely solely on external capital. Instead, he emphasized the need for African nations to work together to mobilize domestic resources, streamline investment regulations, and create predictable market environments that attract long-term capital.

“The Government of Kenya is committed to enhancing the country’s position as a gateway for investment into East Africa and across the continent. This includes improving the ease of doing business, strengthening investor protections, and supporting initiatives that unlock capital for enterprise growth, innovation, and sustainable development.”

Also present at the event was Francis Nasyomba, President, CFA Society East Africa, who highlighted AfIC’s role in promoting world-class professional standards, fostering market integrity, and supporting data-driven policy dialogue.

“AfIC is designed to not only spark the conversations Africa urgently needs to have but to push for action. By bringing together policymakers, capital providers, and market practitioners, we are creating a foundation for stronger financial markets and better-aligned investment flows that drive shared prosperity.” Said Nasyomba

Africa Investment Conference 2025 to champion homegrown capital and intra-African growth

“This year’s conference is centered around three interconnected themes that reflect the continent’s current investment priorities. First is the need to dismantle long-standing barriers to intra-African capital flows, which continue to limit the movement of funds across the continent despite the shared ambitions of AfCFTA. Second is the importance of scaling infrastructure and innovation using African-designed models that are tailored to the continent’s realities and capable of producing long-term impact. Third is the strengthening of strategic alliances among Africa’s financial markets to improve liquidity, connectivity, and investor confidence.” He added

The two-day high-level conference will see delegates engage in expert-led panel discussions, policy dialogues, and a practical case study that unpacks emerging opportunities across infrastructure financing, sustainable finance, capital markets development, technology ecosystems, and regional trade.

With Africa’s rapidly growing young population, increased digital adoption, and rising demand for modern infrastructure, the continent is uniquely positioned to shape new investment frontiers, provided its financial systems evolve to facilitate long-term growth.

The conference will also provide a platform for diverse stakeholders- including government agencies, private sector players, development partners, and technology experts- to exchange insights and forge meaningful partnerships that advance digital inclusion. By bringing together influential voices shaping the continent’s digital future, the event aims to strengthen collaboration and inspire forward-looking solutions.

As Africa continues its rapid digital evolution, the AfIC 2025 Conference stands as a powerful catalyst for dialogue, innovation, and collective action. The discussions, ideas, and commitments emerging from this two-day engagement are expected to contribute significantly to the continent’s progress toward a digitally empowered future.

Every goal can pay- How SportPesa Kenya’s Goal Goal and 1X2 markets are putting instant wins in fans’ hands

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In Kenya, football doesn’t pause at kickoff; it lives in estates, offices, matatus, and group chats. Now, SportPesa Kenya has found a way to turn every goal into a moment that matters financially. With Goal Goal betting and classic 1X2 markets, fans are discovering a football betting experience where wins can land in minutes, not hours, and where every match offers both instant thrills and long-game strategy.

As Kenyan fans demand faster, clearer, and more rewarding ways to enjoy football, SportPesa Kenya has leaned into what supporters love most, the goals. Through Goal Goal (Both Teams to Score) markets that can settle within minutes, and reliable 1X2 betting that rewards patient analysis after 90 minutes, SportPesa has created a system that fits how Kenyans actually watch and talk about football. It’s betting that moves at the speed of the game and keeps fans engaged from first whistle to final result.

What Goal Goal really means for Kenyan fans

At its core, Goal Goal betting on SportPesa Kenya is built on a simple idea: focus on goals, not winners. Instead of predicting who takes all three points, fans only need to decide whether both teams will score. That simplicity is exactly why Goal Goal has exploded in popularity. A 1–1 draw, a late equalizer, or a chaotic end-to-end match can still deliver a win. For many Kenyan fans, it feels closer to how football is actually unpredictable, dramatic, and decided by moments.

Instant settlements that change the betting experience

One of the biggest reasons Goal Goal has caught on is speed. In many cases, BTTS instant payouts on SportPesa Kenya can be settled within around 10 minutes, depending on the market and match flow. That speed creates trust. When a prediction lands, winnings can move quickly to M-Pesa or Airtel Money, reinforcing confidence in the platform. For fans used to waiting long after the final whistle, this near-instant feedback turns every goal into immediate excitement.

Why 1X2 still matters for serious punters

While Goal Goal delivers instant adrenaline, 1X2 markets on SportPesa Kenya remain the backbone for fans who love structure and analysis. Betting on a home win, draw, or away win settles after 90 minutes, rewarding tactical thinking, form analysis, and patience.

Many Kenyan punters now combine both approaches. They use Goal Goal for quick wins and momentum, while relying on 1X2 for matches where they strongly trust their read of the game. Together, the two markets create a balanced betting style that fits both casual fans and seasoned analysts.

Why Goal Goal keeps fans talking all weekend

Goal Goal has become a social betting market on SportPesa. Fans share predictions in WhatsApp groups, celebrate early payouts, and debate matches long before full-time. Every goal keeps conversations alive. Because you don’t need a winner to win, fans stay invested even when their favourite team is struggling. A single equaliser can flip the story and the payout. That constant engagement is why Goal Goal feels less like a bet and more like part of the match-day experience.

How to play Goal Goal and 1X2 on SportPesa Kenya

Getting started is straightforward and familiar for Kenyan fans:

  1. Log in to SportPesa Kenya
  2. Select your match
  3. How to play Goal Goal(BTTS – Yes/No) or 1X2 (Home/Draw/Away)
  4. Place your bet
  5. BTTS markets may settle within minutes
  6. 1X2 settles after 90 minutes

It’s a structure that ensures every goal, every half, and every result has meaning.

Football, community, and shared moments

Beyond payouts, Goal Goal has strengthened football culture in Kenya. Fans celebrate goals together, argue predictions together, and share screenshots of wins across social platforms. Betting becomes a shared experience, not a solitary one. This sense of community is what keeps fans coming back. The match doesn’t end at full-time; it lives on in stories, jokes, and debates long after the final whistle.

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Responsible play stays at the centre

While Goal Goal delivers excitement, SportPesa Kenya remains clear on one thing: betting should always be entertainment. Fans are encouraged to set budgets, avoid chasing losses, and enjoy the game more than the stake. Through responsible gaming tools and clear reminders, SportPesa continues to balance speed, trust, and safety ensuring the fun never turns into pressure.

Every goal really can be yours

With Goal Goal and 1X2 markets, SportPesa Kenya has given fans two powerful ways to enjoy football. One delivers instant excitement. The other rewards patience and insight. Together, they make every match matter. Whether it’s a quick BTTS win or a carefully planned 1X2 pick, Kenyan fans now hold the power to turn every goal into a winning moment and that’s why SportPesa Kenya continues to lead how the country bets on football.

 

Health worker wins Shs1M in Safaricom’s Shangwe @25 Promotion

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Thirty-nine-year-old Wellington Juma found himself answering a phone call that changed his life for the better. After a night shift at Chulaimbo Health Center, all Wellington wanted to do was rest. Normally, he would have ignored a call at that time as he would have been asleep or doing some meditation, but as fate would have it, Wellington picked the call from Safaricom, the call that made him a millionaire.

Known by his community for his calmness and kind nature, Wellington says the call felt unrealistic. “My phone rang as I had just come in from my night shift at the hospital. At first, I thought it was fraud or that someone was trying to prank me, but when I received the confirmation message, I started to believe it,” he jokingly says. However, still doubtful, Welligton made his way to the Safaricom shop in Kisumu where it was truly confirmed that he had indeed won Shs1,000,000 through Safaricom’s Shangwe @ 25 promotion.

For Wellington, this win comes at a time when he needed it most. Like the hard worker he is, he balances his funds between supporting his growing family, building them a decent home and running his small private clinic. He has had to pause projects at times and sacrifice his passions in order to maintain a good financial balance for other aspects of his life. “Now I can finally complete my house,” says Welligton, cracking a soft smile on his face. “I will also get more equipment for my clinic, so I can serve my community better,” he adds, speaking to his kindness and passion for healthcare.

With the additional Shs250,000 community project fund, Wellington plans to support Kamiruga Widows’ Group in Ahero. “These ladies hire out tents for functions, I’d like to support them with capital to expand their enterprise,” he joyfully shares. For a man who spends his nights saving lives, the gift of giving back to his community is the greatest achievement. Having grown up in a tight-knit community in Ahero, Kisumu, Wellington has witnessed first-hand how the women in his life have held families together and how their resilience and determination have made lives better. That is why he is determined to support them and ensure they get a stable source of income.

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Wellington’s story is exactly what the Shangwe @ 25 promotion is celebrating: the everyday heroes who make Kenya better in big and small ways. From health workers and farmers to teachers and entrepreneurs, the promotion shines a spotlight on everyday people whose lives reflect courage, dedication, and community spirit.

Since its launch, the Shangwe @25 National Consumer Promotion has continued to reward thousands of customers daily and weekly with cash prizes, data bundles, devices, and business support tools. Every week, customers cash prizes from Shs10,000, to Shs100,000, contributing to more than 50,000 winners weekly. Over the course of the promotion, more than 5 million customers are expected to win prizes worth KES250 million.

The Shangwe @25 promotion is still ongoing. Customers can participate simply by transacting on M-PESA, sending money, paying with M-PESA, redeeming Bonga Points, or purchasing any Safaricom products such as data bundles, voice bundles, digital services, or Home Fibre. Merchants and M-PESA agents also qualify through Buy Goods, Pochi la Biashara, and transactions from Kes 1,000 and above.

KUSCCO pays Saccos Sh369 million compensation after selling assets

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The Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO) has paid Saccos a total of Sh369.3 million in compensation. These funds have been paid out following a decision by the troubled cooperative to offload some of its assets.

The amount follows the latest payout which amounted to Sh152.4 million. Initially,  Saccos union had paid out Sh216.9 million. This amount was paid out last year. KUSCCO is aiming to recover and payout at least 70 percent of the Sh8.8 billion principal amount that Saccos had invested in it.

The Saccos union has been struggling to survive after suffering massive fraud that amounted to over Sh12 billion. The fraud, mismanagement and loss of funds at Kuscco was unearthed by audit that was conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

The audit exposed theft, cooking of financial books, and conflict of interest that resulted in the mega loss of Kuscco money. The audit revealed that Kuscco had been left to sink by its management with liabilities of Sh17.7 billion against assets of Sh5.2 billion following the fraud.

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In August 2025, it emerged that about 150 Saccos had now shut down or gone dormant after taking Sh1.33 billion belonging to the KUSCCO. In an effort to recover the funds, Kuscco asked the national government’s assistance.

Some of the Saccos that can no longer be traced include Nitunze with Sh320 million, Mucumewo with Sh90.02 million, Thika Tea with Sh87.19 million, Sukari with Sh78.6 million, and Soko Sacco with Sh38.19 million.

The 150 Saccos, Kuscco said, took the money in form of loans from the organization’s Central Finance Fund (CFF). Shockingly, though, not all Saccos that accessed the money had deposits with Kuscco.

In a letter, Kuscco said that 35 of the 150 Saccos that got the funds had no deposits. The remaining 115 Saccos had deposits of Sh133.8 million at Kuscco. The total deposits held by the Saccos were way less than the amount they borrowed. For instance, Kuscco figures show that the 150 Saccos took a total of Sh1.46 billion.

When contrasted against the deposits the Saccos held at Kuscco, the organization was left exposed to a loss of Sh1.33 billion which it is now struggling to recover.

“We request your assistance in confirming the operational status of certain Saccos that borrowed loans from our Central Finance Fund department… These Saccos are currently listed as dormant or not in operation, and it is imperative for our records and due diligence processes to verify whether they are indeed inactive or have been formally liquidated,” Kuscco Managing Director Arnold Munene said in a letter dated August 1, 2025.

In July 2025, Kuscco started sending letters to some Saccos that were default. Some of the Saccos in the list of the defaulters are Kencom Sacco with Sh377.5 million loan, Nacico Sacco and Nacico Investment Co-op with Sh358.01 million loan.

Maseno University with Sh106.43 million loan, Stegro with Sh68.58 million, Umowa Sacco with Sh49.07 million, Kakamega County Maendeleo with Sh44.93 million, Sonygar Sacco with Sh43.79 million, Migori Teachers with Sh35.76 million, Malindi Biashara with Sh35.05 million, and Lamu Teachers with Sh23.92 million.

Man explains how to build a house cheaply as he flaunts Sh3.7 million 3-bedroom house

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Moses Wekesa, a Kenyan architect, has left many online users in awe after sharing photos of a well-designed three-bedroom house with elegant finishes.

The house, which sits on a 50 by 100 plot in Nyeri county, is estimated to cost Sh3.7 million. It features three bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen, dining and pantry.

The master bedroom is ensuite with a small walk-in closet, while the other bedroooms share the bathrooms.

“The shower is separated from the toilet. It has an entry porch (front verandah) and a rear porch (kitchen verandah) at the back. It cost Sh3.7 million to build. That’s from foundation to roofing,” Wekesa explained.

According to the architect, house construction requires a lot of preparations both financially and mentally.

He advises aspiring homeowners who may not have the full amount for construction works to start small by purchasing materials first.

“If one can get cash to build it once, well and good. If not, one can relieve the pressure by buying materials bit by bit. Let’s say someone is able to get Sh100,00 or less per month for the materials, they can start by buying some materials. Over some months or years, the dreams can be achieved,” he advises.

Wekesa further emphasized on the use of professionals in the entire construction journey, to avoid disappointments which can sometimes be costly.

“Professionals are very useful in guiding one on how to go through the process starting from design work, preparation of the Bill of Quantities (BQs), structural drawings etc. The county government approvals and the whole construction foundation to finishing. Generally, it is a matter of moving at your pace and doing the right thing,” he noted.

Also Read: Why I abandoned my Sh4 million house and went back to renting

Keeping costs low

According to Felista Wangari, a personal finance expert, When buying land to use to construct your home, consider areas that are not quite developed now, but have potential for development based on their proximity to a developing area or on plans for a major road that would open up the area in later years.

Such land might be more affordable to buy and keep as you save up on other home ownership costs. Another option is to buy a chunk of land as a group, subdivide and come up with your own gated community.

Some of the costs you can’t escape are legal costs (search fees, Land Control Board, consent to develop agricultural land if the land is outside municipalities), professional costs for a surveyor, valuer, architect, etc. Beware of trying to save money during the construction, some shortcuts may be fatal.

Have your budget and find out what it can reasonably do for you. Using alternative building technologies can help you save money and time, given that a big part of construction costs comes from construction materials.

For this reason you can consider interlocking blocks and other cost-effective building technologies. You can even opt for a container home as you work on building your home using the money you previously used on rent.

How a simple M-PESA transaction changed Sheila Cheptoo’s life shangwe @ 25

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In the quiet village of Masare, in Bomet County, 25-year-old Sheila Cheptoo rises early before sunrise. The soft rustling of her 132 chickens is the first thing she hears each morning. It reminds her of how far she has come and how much more she hopes to achieve.

Sheila’s life has never been easy. After finishing her secondary education, she began hustling to support her mother, her siblings, and her infant child. With no formal job opportunities in sight, she started selling clothes at local markets in Bomet. But despite her efforts, the business did not survive, leaving her with more questions than answers about her future.

Five months ago, she made a bold decision to try poultry farming, which is still growing. She is also trying her hand at maize farming. These ventures depend on microloans that are often insufficient.

However, Sheila’s journey took an extraordinary turn on a seemingly ordinary day. While buying a 1.2GB data bundle for Kes 55 and airtime for Kes 23 through M-PESA, something she does regularly, she unknowingly entered the ongoing Shangwe @ 25 promotion by Safaricom. The routine transaction that most people make without a second thought became the moment that changed her life.

When she found out she won Kes 1M, Sheila felt overwhelmed with disbelief and gratitude. For her, the reward is not just a prize but also a gateway to new possibilities. With her winnings, she plans to expand her poultry farm into a fully developed commercial enterprise. Sheila dreams of moving to large-scale production, creating a sustainable income stream that can support her family for years.

Beyond her personal goals, Sheila stays connected to her community. With the additional KES 250,000 community project fund, she has chosen to support Kapsimotwa Primary School. She plans to provide essential supplies, bedding, food, and other necessities to improve the well-being of vulnerable children taken in by the institution. Her gesture shows that she understands struggle and is determined to uplift others while she rises.

Sheila’s story is one of quiet courage and unwavering determination. From a village in Bomet, she shows how resilience can turn challenges into stepping stones. A simple mobile transaction can open doors no one could have predicted. Her journey is not only inspiring but also a powerful reminder that hope often comes from the most unexpected places.

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And Sheila is not alone. Since its launch, the Shangwe @25 National Consumer Promotion has continued to reward thousands of customers daily and weekly with cash prizes, data bundles, devices, and business support tools. Every week, customers cash prizes from Kes 10,000, to Kes 100,000—contributing to more than 50,000 winners weekly. Over the promotion period, more than 5 million customers are expected to win prizes worth Kes 250 million.

As Sheila works toward building a commercial poultry enterprise, supporting her siblings through school, and giving back to her community, her story stands as a testament to the potential of Kenya’s youth: resourceful, ambitious, and ready to build better futures—one small step, one brave decision, and sometimes, one lucky moment at a time.

The Shangwe @25 promotion is still ongoing. Customers can participate simply by transacting on M-PESA, sending money, paying with M-PESA, redeeming Bonga Points, or purchasing any Safaricom products such as data bundles, voice bundles, digital services, or Home Fibre. Merchants and M-PESA agents also qualify through Buy Goods, Pochi la Biashara, and transactions from Kes 1,000 and above