Dreams came true for 20-year-old Yvonne Wanjiku Kang’ara from Ngeu, Kiambu County, who has become the first winner of KES 1 million in the Safaricom’s (NSE: SCOM) ongoing Shangwe @25 consumer promotion.
Yvonne, a young and ambitious lady from humble beginnings, bought a KES 20 data bundle using M-PESA, not knowing it would be the purchase that changed her life. That simple transaction earned her an entry into the draw, making her the first millionaire in the campaign launched to celebrate Safaricom’s 25th anniversary.
Overwhelmed with joy and disbelief, Yvonne recalled the moment:
“I am still in shock that the KES 20 I used to buy a data bundle has turned me into a millionaire courtesy of Safaricom. When I received the call, I thought it was a fraud until my mom, and I confirmed the number as the official Safaricom line (0722000000). This is truly life-changing for me and my family. I plan to use part of the money to further my studies, help my mother start a business, and build a home for my grandmother in Londiani, where I was raised,” said Yvonne.
In addition to her prize, Yvonne also received KES 250,000 to support a community project of her choice, which she plans to donate to a local children’s home. The contribution will go towards providing food, bedding, and essential items for children in need.
Speaking during the announcement, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa celebrated Yvonne’s win as a symbol of the company’s 25-year purpose of transforming lives:
“Today, we celebrate our first millionaire under the newly launched Shangwe @25 campaign. It’s heartwarming to see how a simple KES 20 data bundle can transform a life, turning a young Kenyan like Yvonne into a millionaire. At Safaricom, this is what we stand for, creating opportunities and transforming lives.”
Since its launch, Shangwe @25 has been rewarding customers daily and weekly with cash prizes, data bundles, devices, and business support tools. More than 5 million customers are expected to win prizes worth KES 250 million throughout the promotion period.
As part of the promotion, 25 customers will each take home KES 1 million and an additional KES 250,000 to support a community project of their choice. 25 small and micro businesses will win Bajaj tricycles to power mobility and trade. 15 large and medium enterprises will each receive KES 500,000 to fund community projects.
25 other small and micro businesses will win stock worth KES 250,000, with daily winners taking home airtime, data, and instant M-PESA cash prizes.
Customers can participate by transacting on M-PESA, sending money, paying with M-PESA, using or redeeming Bonga Points, or purchasing any Safaricom product such as data or voice bundles, digital services, or Home Fibre subscriptions.
Merchants and M-PESA agents also stand a chance to win through Buy Goods, Pochi La Biashara, and transactions of KES 1,000 or more.
The Shangwe @25 campaign is part of Safaricom’s 25th anniversary celebrations, a nationwide effort to thank customers, delight communities, and showcase 25 years of connection, innovation, and impact.