In Masare village, Bomet County, 25-year-old Sheila Cheptoo has discovered how simple M-PESA transactions can open doors to life-changing opportunities. What had started off as a routine purchase of a data bundle turned into an opportunity that gave her a chance to change her future, that of her family, and the community.
From daily purchases of data to life-changing opportunities
Having completed her secondary education, she struggled to make ends meet between selling clothes in local markets and taking care of her infant child. When that didn’t work out, she tried poultry and maize farming-often taking small microloans to keep the fledgling enterprises going.
Then, on a typical day, Sheila purchased a 1.2GB data bundle for Kes 55 and airtime for Kes 23 using M-PESA, as had happened previously. Unbeknownst to her, the ordinary transaction triggered an entry to participate in Safaricom’s Shangwe @25 promotion. That was when everything changed.
Sheila was overwhelmed by the winnings of Kes 1 million. She says, “I never thought a routine data purchase could change my life.” Her immediate plans include expanding her poultry farm into a full-scale commercial enterprise, creating a sustainable income to support her family.
Apart from personal gains, Sheila is devoted to uplifting her community. With the excess KES 250,000 for the community project, she opted for Kapsimotwa Primary School to provide supplies, bedding, and food for the less fortunate children. Her actions mirror a deep sense of struggle and wanting to give back.
Sheila’s story is not unique. Since its launch, the Shangwe @25 National Consumer Promotion has rewarded thousands of Kenyans daily with cash prizes, data bundles, devices, and business tools.
The different devices include tools for businesses, while other weekly prizes range from Kes 10,000 to Kes 100,000, with over five million customers expected to benefit during the promotion period, with total prizes exceeding Kes 250 million.
And that is her journey, proving how the uncomplicated M-PESA transactions, such as purchasing airtime or data, open opportunities that one would never imagine, especially among the youth in Kenya. This should remind us that our little actions, coupled with hope and persistence, ignite growth.
As Sheila grows her commercial poultry business, pays school fees for her siblings, and gives back to her community, she represents the possibilities of Kenya’s youth-resilient, resourceful, and ready to seize opportunities whenever they arise.
Read Also: Five More Kenyans Celebrate Life-Changing Wins in Safaricom Shangwe @25 Promotion
