From A Routine Ride To A Million-Shilling Moment: The Mombasa Tuk-Tuk Driver Courtesy Of Safaricom

What began as an ordinary day on the bustling streets of Kisauni, Mombasa, ended with a life-changing phone call for 27-year-old tuk-tuk driver Joseph Ndung’u. Moments after dropping off a passenger, Joseph became the latest Kenyan to join Safaricom’s growing list of millionaires—thanks to a simple, everyday M-Pesa transaction.

Joseph is the 14th winner of the Ksh 1 million grand prize under Safaricom’s ongoing Shangwe @25 promotion, a campaign marking the telecommunications giant’s 25th anniversary. In addition to the cash windfall, he received an extra Ksh 250,000 to support a community project of his choice, ensuring that his good fortune extends beyond his household and into the neighbourhood he calls home.

“I had just completed a trip when I received the call. I was sceptical at first and borrowed a friend’s phone to verify that it was indeed Safaricom,” Joseph recalled. What he initially thought might be a routine fare reversal turned out to be a moment that would redefine his future.

The timing of the news was particularly poignant. Joseph’s family was mourning the recent loss of his grandfather, and the win brought a glimmer of hope during a period of grief. The sudden turn of events offered reassurance that brighter days lay ahead.

Having worked in the transport sector for seven years, Joseph relies heavily on M-Pesa for his daily operations—buying fuel, purchasing data and airtime, repaying loans, and supporting his family. As the second-born in a family of three, he has shouldered significant responsibilities, including purchasing an M-KOPA phone for his younger brother, an instalment he continues to service while also providing for his mother.

With his newfound capital, Joseph has clear growth plans. He intends to purchase an additional tuk-tuk and open a spare-parts shop, moves that will diversify his income and create greater financial stability. At home, his priorities are equally pressing: part of the winnings will go towards financing a much-needed surgical procedure for his mother and supporting his brother’s education.

True to the spirit of the Shangwe @25 campaign, Joseph has chosen to give back. He selected the Bidallah Self Help Group, a youth group based in the Mishomoroni–Kisauni area, as the beneficiary of his community support prize. The group runs several income-generating activities, including a fresh water supply, a fruit parlour, and boda boda operations.

The additional Ksh 250,000 will be used to purchase a freezer, acquire larger water storage tanks, and strengthen the fruit business—investments that will enhance sustainability and expand the group’s impact.

“This money allows me to plan for the future,” Joseph said. “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.”

Since its launch, the Shangwe @25 promotion has been transforming everyday M-Pesa transactions into moments of celebration. Each week, more than 50,000 customers win cash prizes of Ksh 10,000, Ksh 50,000, or Ksh 100,000. By the end of the campaign, over five million customers are expected to win prizes worth Ksh 250 million, with 25 Kenyans walking away as millionaires.

The promotion also supports businesses of all sizes—from micro and small enterprises that receive tuk-tuk pickups to boost logistics, to medium and large businesses awarded Ksh 500,000 for corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Shangwe @25 is part of Safaricom’s nationwide 25th anniversary celebrations, a campaign designed to thank customers, uplift communities, and celebrate 25 years of connection, innovation, and impact.

To access M-Pesa services, customers can dial *334#.

Read Also: Safaricom Returns To Capital Markets as KES 20 Billion Green Bond Records 175% Oversubscription