Safaricom’s Shangwe @25 nationwide consumer promotion is transforming ordinary lives across Kenya. From poultry farmers in Bomet to health workers in Kisumu, shopkeepers in Thika, and entrepreneurs in Nairobi, the campaign is creating millionaires while uplifting communities.
Sheila Cheptoo: From Hustling to Hope
In Masare village, Bomet County, 25‑year‑old Sheila Cheptoo wakes up before sunrise to the sound of her 132 chickens.
“It reminds me of how far I’ve come,” she says, “and how much more I hope to achieve.”
After hustling through failed market ventures, Sheila turned to poultry and maize farming. Progress was slow—until one ordinary M‑PESA transaction changed her life. Buying a 1.2GB data bundle for Kes 55 and airtime for Kes 23, she unknowingly entered Shangwe @25.
That routine purchase made her a millionaire. “I couldn’t believe it. This money is not just a prize—it’s my chance to build something lasting.”
Sheila plans to expand her poultry farm into a commercial enterprise and support her siblings’ education. With the Kes 250,000 community project fund, she will provide bedding and food to Kitoben Primary Children’s Home.
Wellington Juma: A Million‑Shilling Phone Call
Thirty‑nine‑year‑old Wellington Juma, a clinical officer at Chulaimbo Health Centre in Kisumu, had just finished a night shift when his phone rang.
“At first, I thought it was fraud,” he laughs. “But when the confirmation text arrived, I believed it.”
Still cautious, he visited the Safaricom shop in Kisumu, where it was confirmed that Wellington had won Ksh 1 million.
“Now I can finally complete my house,” he says with a soft smile. “I will also get more equipment for my clinic so I can serve my community better.”
With his Kes 250,000 community project fund, Wellington will support the Kamiruga Widows’ Group in Ahero, helping them expand their tent‑hire business.
Hannah Ngige: Boosting Business and Healthcare
At Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi, 56‑year‑old Hannah Ngige from Komarock was announced as one of the latest millionaires.
“I sell second‑hand items, so I make many transactions on M‑PESA and Pochi, and I believe that really boosted my entries,” she says. “I plan to invest part of this money back into my business, and I also want to start tomato farming in Kimana, Loitoktok.”
For her community project, Hannah will support Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, providing beddings for the maternity wing.
Taala Chelanga: Building a Home
From Elgeyo Marakwet, 25‑year‑old Taala Chelanga, a mother of two, is still in disbelief.
“I don’t know how a million looks like. I have never held such an amount in my life. This is a miracle from Safaricom,” she says.
Her dream is to buy land and build a home for her family.
Elizabeth Wairimu: Expanding Her Kiosk
In Thika, shopkeeper Elizabeth Wairimu, a mother of four, calls her win “a miracle during a difficult season.”
“My four children rely on my small kiosk, and sometimes I wash clothes for people to earn extra income,” she explains. “I plan to buy a plot, build rental units to boost my income, and expand my kiosk.”
For her community project, Elizabeth will support Twiga Primary School in Juja with textbooks.
Businesses Winning Big
It’s not just individuals. Ten micro and small businesses also won:
- Five businesses received Bajaj tricycles for logistics, including Sakifarm Limited (Nairobi), Millys The Redbeet Fresh Mart (Voi), Tito Busienei Koiyet (Eldoret), Leonard Oongo (Kisumu), and Carrix Media Group Limited (Kiambu).
- Five others received Kes 250,000 in business stock, including EBEE Mobility Kenya Limited (Homabay), Justus Kiprono Koros (Kericho), Robert Nyakundi Ayuka (Kisii), Taifa Sacco Limited (Nyeri), and Federico Investments.
- Large and medium enterprises like Moringa School Limited, the European Union, and the United Nations Federal Credit each received Kes 500,000 for CSR projects.
Safaricom at 25: Silver Jubilee, Future Growth, and Shangwe @25 Winners
Shangwe @25: Celebrating Everyday Heroes
So far, over ten Kenyans have become millionaires through Shangwe @25, including Sheila, Wellington, Hannah, Taala, and Elizabeth. Each winner also received Kes 250,000 to support community initiatives.
Since its launch, Shangwe @25 has rewarded thousands of customers daily and weekly with:
- Cash prizes (Kes 10,000, Kes 50,000, Kes 100,000)
- Data bundles and devices
- Business support tools
Every week, more than 50,000 winners celebrate. Over the promotion period, 5 million customers are expected to win prizes worth Kes 250 million.
How to Participate
The Shangwe @25 promotion is still ongoing. Customers can join by:
- Transacting on M‑PESA (sending money, paying bills)
- Redeeming Bonga Points
- Purchasing Safaricom products (data bundles, voice bundles, digital services, Home Fibre)
- Merchants and M‑PESA agents qualify through Buy Goods, Pochi la Biashara, and transactions of Kes 1,000 and above.
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