Joseph Ndung’u, a 27-year-old tuk-tuk driver from Kisauni in Mombasa, has become the latest sh.1 million winner in Safaricom’s ongoing Shangwe @25 promotion, after an ordinary M-PESA transaction turned into a life-changing moment.
Ndung’u, who has worked in the transport sector for seven years, is the second-born in a family of three and the 14th Kenyan to win the top prize under the nationwide campaign. In addition to the cash award, he also received an extra sh.250,000 to support a community project of his choice, extending the impact of his win beyond his immediate family.
The surprise came shortly after Ndung’u completed a routine trip. After dropping off a customer, he received a call from Safaricom informing him that he had won. Initially sceptical and suspecting a possible fare reversal, he borrowed a friend’s phone to confirm the caller’s identity, only to realise the news was genuine.
“I had just completed a trip when I received the call. I was sceptical at first and borrowed a friend’s phone to verify that it was indeed Safaricom,” he said.
The news came at an emotional time for his family, who were mourning the recent loss of his grandfather. Amid the grief, the win brought renewed hope and reassurance during a difficult period.
A frequent M-PESA user, Ndung’u relies on the platform for his daily operations, including purchasing fuel, buying data and airtime, and repaying loans. He also uses M-PESA to support his family, having bought an M-KOPA phone for his younger brother—an instalment he continues to service—while providing for both his brother and mother.
With the sh.1 million prize, Ndung’u plans to expand his livelihood by purchasing an additional tuk-tuk and opening a spare-parts shop to stabilise and grow his income. He also intends to support his mother by financing a surgical procedure that has been a major financial burden on the family.
Driven by a strong desire to give back, Ndung’u selected the Bidallah Self Help Group, a youth group based in the Mishomoroni–Kisauni area, as the beneficiary of his community support project. The group runs several income-generating activities, including fresh water supply services, a fruit parlour, and boda boda operations.
The sh.250,000 community support fund will be used to purchase a freezer, acquire larger water storage tanks, and boost the group’s fruit business, strengthening its capacity to serve residents and sustain its enterprises.
“This money gives me an opportunity to plan for the future. I will grow my business, take care of my family’s needs, and invest in my brother’s education. Beyond that, I want to ensure the community also benefits by supporting a youth self-help group called Bidallah Self Help Group here in Mishomoroni,” he said.
Since its launch, the Shangwe @25 promotion has been rewarding customers daily and weekly with cash prizes, data bundles, devices, and business support tools. Each week, more than 50,000 customers win sh.10,000, sh.50,000, or sh.100,000. By the end of the campaign, more than five million customers are expected to share prizes worth KES 250 million, with 25 customers set to become millionaires.
The promotion also targets businesses of all sizes. Micro and small enterprises receive tuk-tuk pickups to enhance logistics, while selected businesses are awarded stock worth sh.250,000. Medium and large enterprises receive sh.500,000 to support corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Shangwe @25 is part of Safaricom’s 25th anniversary celebrations, aimed at thanking customers, uplifting communities, and marking 25 years of connection, innovation, and impact.