Safaricom has announced Yvonne Wanjiku Kang’ara, a 20-year-old 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, purchased a KES 20 data bundle using M-PESA — unaware that this simple act would transform her life. The transaction automatically entered her into the promotion draw, making her the first millionaire in the campaign launched to celebrate Safaricom’s 25th anniversary.
Still in disbelief, Yvonne shared her excitement:
“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 scam 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.”
In addition to her cash prize, Yvonne will receive KES 250,000 to support a community project of her choice, which she intends to donate to a local children’s home to provide food, bedding, and essential supplies for children in need.
Speaking during the announcement, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa congratulated Yvonne and reaffirmed the company’s mission of transforming lives:
“Today, we celebrate our first millionaire under the Shangwe @25 campaign. It’s heartwarming to see how a simple KES 20 data bundle can transform a life. At Safaricom, this is what we stand for — creating opportunities and changing lives.”
Since its launch, Shangwe @25 has been rewarding customers with daily and weekly prizes, including cash, devices, data bundles, and business tools. Over 5 million customers are expected to win prizes worth KES 250 million during the campaign.
As part of the promotion:
-
25 customers will each win KES 1 million and KES 250,000 for a community project of their choice.
-
25 small and micro businesses will receive Bajaj tricycles to boost trade and mobility.
-
15 medium and large enterprises will each get KES 500,000 for community initiatives.
-
25 small and micro businesses will win stock worth KES 250,000, while daily participants will continue to win airtime, data, and instant M-PESA cash prizes.
Customers can participate by transacting on M-PESA, sending money, paying with M-PESA, redeeming Bonga Points, or purchasing Safaricom products such as data, voice bundles, digital services, or Home Fibre subscriptions. Merchants and M-PESA agents also qualify by transacting KES 1,000 or more through Buy Goods or Pochi La Biashara.
The Shangwe @25 campaign is part of Safaricom’s 25th Anniversary celebrations — a nationwide initiative to thank customers, delight communities, and celebrate 25 years of innovation, connection, and impact.