MOMBASA, Kenya-Dec 20, 2025-Joseph Ndung’u, a 27-year-old tuk-tuk driver from Kisauni, Mombasa, has become the latest KES 1 million winner in Safaricom’s ongoing Shangwe @25 promotion-an extraordinary turnaround sparked by an everyday M-PESA transaction.
Having worked in the transport sector for seven years, Joseph is the second-born in a family of three and the 14th Kenyan to join the growing list of Shangwe @25 millionaires. In addition to the cash prize, he received an extra KES 250,000 to support a community project of his choice, extending the impact of his win beyond his household.
His life-changing moment came shortly after completing a routine trip. After dropping off a customer, Joseph received an unexpected call from Safaricom informing him of his win. Initially skeptical, he assumed it might be related to a fare reversal and borrowed a friend’s phone to verify the call-only to realize the news was genuine. “I had just completed a trip when I received the call. I was skeptical at first and borrowed a friend’s phone to verify that it was indeed Safaricom,” he said.
The news arrived during an emotional period for his family, who were mourning the recent loss of his grandfather. Amid the grief, the win brought renewed hope and reassurance at a difficult time.
A frequent M-PESA user, Joseph relies on the platform for his daily operations, including purchasing fuel, buying data and airtime, and repaying loans. He also uses it to support his family, having purchased an M-KOPA phone for his younger brother—an instalment he continues to service—while providing for both his brother and mother.
With his winnings, Joseph plans to buy an additional tuk-tuk and open a spare-parts shop, expanding his business and securing a more stable income. He also intends to finance a surgical procedure for his mother, easing a major financial burden on the family.
Driven by a strong desire to give back, Joseph has selected the Bidallah Self Help Group, a youth group based in the Mishomoroni–Kisauni area, as the beneficiary of his community project. The group runs several income-generating activities, including fresh water supply, a fruit parlour, and boda- boda operations.
The KES 250,000 community support prize will be used to purchase a freezer, acquire larger water storage tanks, and boost the fruit parlor business-strengthening the group’s capacity to serve the community and grow 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,” he said.
Since its launch, Shangwe @25 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 KES 10,000, KES 50,000, or KES 100,000.
Over the course of the promotion, more than five million customers are expected to win prizes worth KES 250 million, with 25 customers set to become millionaires by the end of the campaign. The promotion also supports businesses of all sizes-rewarding micro and small enterprises with tuk-tuk pickups to enhance logistics, while selected businesses receive stock worth KES 250,000. Medium and large enterprises receive KES 500,000 to support corporate social responsibility projects.
The Shangwe @25 campaign forms part of Safaricom’s 25th anniversary celebrations, a nationwide initiative to thank customers, uplift communities, and celebrate 25 years of connection, innovation, and impact.
