Safaricom has unveiled 20-year-old Yvonne Wanjiku Kang’ara from Ngeu, Kiambu County, as the first winner of KES 1 million in the ongoing Shangwe @25 consumer promotion, marking a life-changing moment for the young Kenyan.
Yvonne, who comes from humble beginnings, became a millionaire after purchasing a KES 20 data bundle via M-PESA, a simple transaction that unexpectedly earned her entry into the draw. The promotion, launched to celebrate Safaricom’s 25th anniversary, seeks to reward loyal customers across the country.
“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,” said Yvonne. “When I received the call, I thought it was a scam until my mom and I confirmed it was the official Safaricom number (0722000000). 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.”
In addition to her KES 1 million 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 to provide food, bedding, and other essentials.
Speaking during the announcement, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa congratulated Yvonne, noting that her story reflects Safaricom’s 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,” said Ndegwa.
Since its launch, the Shangwe @25 promotion has been rewarding customers with daily and weekly prizes, including cash, data bundles, devices, and business support tools. More than 5 million customers are expected to win prizes worth over KES 250 million throughout the campaign.
As part of the promotion, 25 customers will each take home KES 1 million plus KES 250,000 for community projects, while 25 small and micro businesses will win Bajaj tricycles to enhance mobility and trade. Additionally, 15 large and medium enterprises will each receive KES 500,000 to fund community initiatives, while 25 other businesses will win stock worth KES 250,000.
Customers can participate by transacting on M-PESA, sending money, paying bills, purchasing data or voice bundles, using Bonga Points, or subscribing to Home Fibre. 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 broader 25th anniversary celebrations, a nationwide effort to appreciate customers, support communities, and showcase 25 years of innovation, connection, and impact.