Nairobi, Kenya — November 10, 2025—A 20-year-old woman from Kiambu County has become the first millionaire in Safaricom’s ongoing Shangwe @25 consumer promotion, as the telecommunications company continues to mark its 25th anniversary.
Yvonne Wanjiku Kang’ara from Ngeu, Kiambu, won KES 1 million after buying a KES 20 data bundle using M-PESA, which automatically entered her into the draw. She will also receive an additional KES 250,000 to support a community project of her choice.
“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. “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, where I was raised.”
Yvonne said she initially thought the winning call was a scam until she confirmed the number as Safaricom’s official line, 0722 000 000.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa congratulated Yvonne, saying her story reflects the company’s long-standing purpose of transforming lives. “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 transforming lives,” he said.
Launched as part of Safaricom’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the Shangwe @25 campaign rewards customers daily and weekly with cash prizes, data bundles, devices, and business support tools. Over five million customers are expected to win prizes worth more than KES 250 million during the promotion period.
As part of the campaign, 25 customers will each walk away with KES 1 million and an additional KES 250,000 to support community projects of their choice. Small and micro businesses will also benefit, with 25 enterprises receiving Bajaj tricycles to enhance mobility and trade, while 15 large and medium-sized enterprises will each receive KES 500,000 to fund community initiatives. In addition, 25 other small and micro enterprises will win stock worth KES 250,000, with daily winners taking home airtime, data, and instant M-PESA cash prizes.
Customers can participate by transacting on M-PESA, redeeming Bonga Points, or purchasing Safaricom products such as data and voice bundles or Home Fibre subscriptions. Merchants and M-PESA agents also stand a chance to win through Buy Goods, Pochi La Biashara, and transactions worth KES 1,000 or more.
The Shangwe @25 campaign is part of Safaricom’s nationwide effort to thank customers, support communities, and celebrate 25 years of connection, innovation, and impact.
