Lucille Aveva. Director, Customer Obsession at Safaricom PLC (Centre) accompanied by Monica Mueke winner of 1 million + 250,000 for community project handing a dummy check to Vitalis Nyambeka, Director at Pillars of Hope Children’s home the selected community project at Shine Kenya Handover event held at Pillars of hope Children’s Home Athi River, Machakos County.
The journey of transforming communities in Machakos and Kitui Counties has officially begun, driven by the winners of the Shine Kenya Shinda Mamilii Kama Bingwa campaign. Supported by the Safaricom Foundation, this impactful initiative will see the implementation of 31 community projects across the country.
In remarkable gesture of giving back, each of the 31 weekly campaign winners, who walked away with KES 1 million, received an additional KES 250,000 from the Safaricom Foundation to fund community projects of their choice. The campaign, launched in June 2024, was not only about rewarding individual winners but also focused on empowering them to uplift their local communities through various development initiatives.
In Machakos County, 19-year-old Mary Kanini Mutisya, who was a week five winner, chose to use her prize money to bring hope to the less fortunate. Kanini, who herself faced financial struggles that forced her to drop out of school, decided to support Pillars of Hope Children’s Home in Mavoko. Her contributions included essential food supplies, bedding, and other necessities for the children. Additionally, she is sponsoring the education of 11 underprivileged children, providing a pathway to brighter futures.
“I understand what it feels like to struggle with school fees and the pain of missing out on education,” said Mary Kanini. “While I know I cannot help everyone, I believe in the power of lifting others with the resources I have. Even one act of kindness can change a life.”
Kitui County, 25-year-old Timothy Mulei Maingi, a fruits and vegetable vendor, also embraced the spirit of generosity. Using the additional KES 250,000 from the Safaricom Foundation, Mulei directed his funds towards Upendo Children’s Home. The donation was used to purchase food supplies and mattresses, addressing critical needs at the facility.
“We are deeply grateful to Timothy Mulei for his selflessness,” said Canaan Ochieng, the founder of Upendo Children’s Home. “His donation has made a significant impact, bringing comfort and hope to the children in our care. We are equally thankful to the Safaricom Foundation for their ongoing efforts to transform lives across Kenya.”
The Shine Kenya Shinda Mamilii Kama Bingwa campaign has been a resounding success, touching the lives of over 2.5 million Safaricom customers with rewards that included cash, airtime, and data. The 31 weekly winners, now dubbed “community heroes,” have gone beyond personal gain, channeling their winnings into projects that benefit their local communities. The initiative demonstrates the power of collective responsibility and highlights Safaricom’s commitment to fostering social good.
“Through this campaign, we have seen the incredible generosity and community spirit of our winners,” said a representative of the Safaricom Foundation. “We are proud to support these projects that embody the true essence of giving back and making a difference in people’s lives.”
With projects ranging from supporting children’s homes to funding educational initiatives, the Shine Kenya Shinda Mamilii Kama Bingwa campaign is paving the way for sustainable community development. As the handover of projects continues across the country, more communities are expected to benefit, underscoring the campaign’s far-reaching impact.
Safaricom Foundation’s collaboration with the campaign winners showcases a powerful model of corporate social responsibility that not only rewards individuals but also empowers them to become agents of positive change.
The Safaricom Foundation is a leading corporate foundation in Kenya, dedicated to transforming lives through impactful and sustainable community projects. Its initiatives focus on health, education, economic empowerment, and disaster relief, contributing to the overall social development of the country.