By F, KNA
Safaricom has launched a nationwide promotion dubbed ‘Shangwe @25’ to mark its 25th anniversary, aiming to reward customers, empower businesses and give back to communities across Kenya.
Speaking during the Rift region launch in Eldoret, Safaricom Regional Business Lead Samwel Kirubi said the milestone was a reflection of the company’s evolution and its continued partnership with Kenyans.
“For 25 years, our customers have trusted us to provide reliable telecommunication and financial services through M-PESA; this celebration is about them and the people of Kenya who have walked this journey with us,” said Kirubi.
The ‘Shangwe @25’ promotion will see 25 customers each win Sh 1 million, alongside Sh 250,000 to support a community project of their choice.
In total, 25 small and micro businesses will each receive a Bajaj tricycle to enhance business mobility, while 15 medium and large enterprises will get Sh 500,000 each for community projects.
Weekly rewards include stock worth Sh 250,000 for five small and micro enterprises and instant prizes such as airtime, data bundles, 5G routers, devices and M-PESA cash rewards ranging between Sh 100 and Sh 10,000.
Kirubi said the celebration will run through market activations and community engagements across the Rift Valley, including both urban and rural centers.
The campaign also features the ‘Green Box Experience’, offering customers festive surprises like goats, chickens, and other items to brighten the holiday season.
Customers can participate by transacting on M-PESA, buying data or voice bundles, or renewing Home Fibre or PostPay subscriptions.
Merchants and M-PESA agents also qualify through transactions such as Lipa na M-PESA, Pochi la Biashara and deposits or withdrawals of Sh 1,000 and above.
Representing Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii, County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Industrialization, Tourism, Corporate and Enterprise Development, Martha Jeruto, commended Safaricom for supporting business growth and digital transformation in the county.
“Safaricom has been instrumental in promoting digital payments, training cooperative societies, and supporting the digitization of agricultural value chains. Our farmers, traders and youth are benefiting from these innovations, which are helping to improve efficiency and create new economic opportunities,” she said.
She highlighted the county’s One-Stop Service Center, where business licensing and payments are now integrated through mobile money platforms, improving convenience and reducing costs.
Jeruto praised Safaricom for its continued corporate social investments, including support during disasters and community development projects, noting that such partnerships are critical for inclusive economic growth.
The county, she added, is also expanding public Wi-Fi hotspots to boost internet access and digital trade.
During the event, Jane Njeri, one of the winners who received a Safaricom smartphone, expressed her gratitude, noting that after years of using an analogue phone, she can now go digital thus enabling her to access eCitizen and other online government services with ease.
The ‘Shangwe @25’ campaign is being rolled out concurrently across different regions, with the next phases set to reach more towns and rural markets in the coming weeks.