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 now becomes the 14th Kenyan to join the growing list of Shangwe @25 millionaires. In addition to the cash prize, he also received an extra KES 250,000 to support a community project of his choice, extending the impact of his win beyond his household and into the wider community.

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 sceptical and assuming it might be related to a fare reversal, he borrowed a friend’s phone to verify the call, only to realise the news was genuine.

"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,” he said.

The news arrived during a deeply 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 M-PESA 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 purchase an additional tuk-tuk and open a spare-parts shop, expanding his business and creating a more stable source of income.

He also intends to support his mother by financing a surgical procedure, easing a significant financial burden on the family.

Guided by a strong desire to give back, Joseph has chosen the Bidallah Self Help Group, a youth group based in his Mishomoroni–Kisauni neighbourhood as the beneficiary of his community project.

The group is involved in several income-generating activities, including fresh water supply, a fruit parlour, and boda boda operations.

Through the additional KES 250,000 community support prize, the funds will be used to purchase a freezer the group currently lacks, acquire larger water storage tanks, and boost the fruit parlour 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 by supporting a youth self-help group called Bidallah Self Help Group here in Mushomoroni, through the provision of a water freezer and additional water tanks, so they can sustain themselves and continue supporting others,” 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. Micro and small enterprises are rewarded with tuk-tuk pickups to enhance logistics such as stock transportation and deliveries, while selected businesses receive stock worth KES 250,000 to accelerate growth.

Medium and large enterprises receive KES 500,000 to support corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects of their choice.

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.

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Safaricom’s nationwide Shangwe @25 consumer promotion has entered its fifth week, with five more Kenyans winning KES 1 million each, bringing the total number of millionaires created by the campaign to 15 since its launch in November 2025.

The latest winners are Faith Muchira from Embu, Charlotte Wachera from Naivasha, Susy Namalwa from Malava in Kakamega, Joseph Ndung’u from Mombasa, and Geoffrey Kipkoech Rop from Nairobi.

In addition to the cash prize, each winner also received an extra KES 250,000 to support a community project of their choice, extending the impact of the Shangwe @25 celebrations beyond individual households and into communities across the country.

Speaking in Embu during the award ceremony where Safaricom also celebrated customers through the Green Box mechanic, Faith Muchira, a 30-year-old mother of two, shared her joy after becoming a millionaire just by using M-PESA to buy data bundles.

"Even now, I am still in disbelief that I am a new millionaire. I frequently buy data bundles using M-PESA so my child can watch cartoons. This is truly a miracle from God, and I want to thank Safaricom for this amazing gift. I will use the money to expand my nail parlour, my rice shop, and expand my rabbit farm. With the KES 250,000 for the community project, I will support the Kathigiri New Arimi Self-Help Group by providing chairs and tents to help them continue supporting local ceremonies and funerals,” said Muchira.

For Charlotte Wachera, a 27-year-old healthworker at the Nairobi Women’s Hospital in Naivasha, the news came as a surprise.

"When I received the first call, I dismissed it as a scam. It was only after receiving the confirmation message that I started to believe it. I plan to open a clinic in my hometown to improve access to healthcare, as many residents travel long distances for services. For the community project, I will support Baharini ECD in Kihoto by providing school uniforms, renovating classrooms, and establishing a vegetable garden to ensure a sustainable supply of fresh produce for the children,” she said.

In Mombasa, Joseph Ndung’u, a 27-year-old Tuk-Tuk driver, described the win as life-changing.

“I had just dropped a customer when I received what I can only describe as a life-changing call. At first, I didn’t believe it and even borrowed a friend’s phone to confirm it was Safaricom. I will buy another Tuk-Tuk, open a spare parts shop, and support my younger brother with school fees. For the community project, I will donate desks, lockers, and shelves to Njambere Primary School to improve the learning environment,” he said

Meanwhile, Geoffrey Kipkoech Rop, a 49-year-old security guard from Ruaka, Nairobi, received the news during a training session.

"I honestly lack words. This is unbelievable. I have faced many challenges in life, but I am grateful that God has finally remembered my family. I will build rental houses in my hometown in Nandi for a stable income and expand my dairy farm. For the community project, I will donate chairs to our church,” he said

In Kakamega, Susy Namalwa, a 65-year-old single mother of four, was overwhelmed with emotions upon learning of her win.

“I don’t know how best to thank God and Safaricom. I have struggled for 30 years as a widow raising my children alone. I will expand my catering business by purchasing tents and cooking equipment. For the community project, I hope to support my church in Kiandike by contributing towards the completion of its construction.”

Beyond the individual winners, 12 micro and small businesses also won big. Five received Tuk-Tuk pickups to support business logistics, including the transportation of stock and deliveries.

These included Samuel Kimando, Alex Wasike, Manjok Ltd, Douglas Onserio, and Muriiri Girls Secondary School.

Four businesses including: Robstar Premium Fit Ltd, Sawe Cheruiyot Mais, Ronak Distributors, and Golden Green Properties Ltd also received stock worth KES 250,000 each, aimed at accelerating growth and strengthening their enterprises.

In the large and medium enterprise category, Vivo Activewear Ltd, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and GlovoApp Ltd were the winners, each receiving KES 500,000 to support a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project of their choice as part of spreading cheer during the festive season.

Since its launch, Shangwe @25 has rewarded thousands of customers daily and weekly with cash prizes, data bundles, devices, and business support tools. Each week, customers win KES 10,000, KES 50,000, or KES 100,000, contributing to more than 50,000 winners weekly. Over the promotion period, more than five million customers are expected to win prizes worth KES 250 million.

Customers can participate by transacting on M-PESA, including sending money, paying with M-PESA, redeeming Bonga Points, or purchasing Safaricom products such as data bundles, voice bundles, digital services, or Home Fibre.

Merchants and M-PESA agents also qualify through Buy Goods, Pochi la Biashara, and transactions of KES 1,000 and above.

Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi General Manager Lionel Formento has been recognized this December as Kenya’s Most Influential General Manager in the Hospitality Industry, an honor presented by CMO Global in recognition of outstanding leadership and industry impact.

Mr. Formento received this distinction following Dusit Princess Nairobi’s continued rise as one of the leading business hotels in Westlands and its multiple international accolades earned earlier this year.

"I am humbled and privileged to be recognized among Kenya’s Most Influential General Managers in the Hospitality category. This honour belongs to our team, our ownership, and all our guests and partners who place their trust in us every day,” said Mr. Formento.

With over two decades of international experience across Europe, Asia, and Africa, Mr. Formento has played a pivotal role in elevating the Dusit Princess brand in Kenya. His people-centric leadership, passion for service excellence, and commitment to innovation have helped position Dusit Princess as one of the best 4-star hotels in Westlands Nairobi.

He continues to be at the forefront of promoting sustainability and world-class service culture within the Dusit brand in Africa.

His recent recognitions include General Manager of the Year – Kenya (CEO Destinations Awards) and Best Newly Appointed General Manager – Global (Haute Grandeur Global Awards), among other honours.

The Kenya’s Most Influential General Managers Awards celebrate excellence in leadership and individuals who have made significant contributions to their industries and to the growth of the national economy.

The annual Wine Fair unfolded as a three-day celebration of wine, lifestyle and networking, attracting approximately 600 guests to Kenya’s Coast.

The build-up began with an exclusive yacht cruise hosted by Wines of South Africa (WOSA), followed by an influencer luncheon at Leopard Beach Hotel in Diani, setting an elegant tone ahead of the main event.

The fair showcased an impressive selection of new wines from leading wineries across South Africa, France, Italy, Spain, Chile, New Zealand and Australia, highlighting both Old World and New World producers.

Adding a strong local presence, Mombasa-based distributors Wine & More and Sliquor participated, reinforcing the growing regional wine market.

A key highlight of the event was its immersive experience, which included a dedicated podcast centre where industry conversations and live discussions took place. Guests also enjoyed a fashion showcase by Mira by Trina, a signature feature of the Wine Fair, blending style seamlessly with the wine-tasting experience.

The celebrations concluded with a lively wine tasting and after-party at the Deck, where DJ Audra kept guests entertained late into the night, in Mombasa.

The combination of curated wine experiences, fashion, music and coastal hospitality cemented the Wine Fair’s reputation as one of the region’s premier lifestyle and wine events.

Just in time for Detty December, Mr Eazi returns with “Dance Pon Me,” an addictive afro-meets-dancehall hit single and video designed for dancefloors, late nights and unforgettable December moments.

Following “Sekkle & Bop”, his 2021 collab featuring Popcaan, the new single is the latest release from his forthcoming dancehall-inspired mixtape on Mixpak.

Produced by Dre Skull (Popcaan, Burna Boy, Vybz Kartel) and Cadenza (Jorja Smith, Beyoncé, Doja Cat), “Dance Pon Me” is an irresistible, dance-forward earworm powered by a laid-back dembow groove and a deadly singalong hook. It’s built for movement be it December or not. Mr Eazi dares you to try to sit still.

Written by Oliver Rodigan, Andrew Hershey, Marlon Roudette and Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, the track captures the carefree spirit of the Afro-diaspora at its most joyful.

From Lagos to Accra, Nairobi to London, “Dance Pon Me” taps into the shared rhythm of Africa where music, freedom and fun collide.

Mr Eazi is a Grammy Award–winning artist and creative force who has long sound tracked the culture’s biggest moments.

From defining Banku Music and delivering global hits like “Skin Tight” and “Leg Over,” to performing at Coachella and curating nightlife experiences through Choplife Soundsystem and Detty Rave, his music has become synonymous with celebration.

In 2025, Mr Eazi released a new EP MAISON ROUGE which doubles as a homecoming to his Banku Music roots, as well as a love letter to his day one fans and the early signature sound that first made him a cult favourite.

With “Dance Pon Me,” Mr Eazi adds another essential record to his legendary catalog—an anthem made for DJs, party lovers and anyone ready to dance through the end of the year.

Coca-Cola has launched its 2025 Christmas Caravan at the Coast, officially ushering in the festive season in the region with a celebration focused on joy, kindness, and community connection.

The Coast activation forms part of a nationwide Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan tour that kicked off in Nairobi last month with a Christmas-themed street party that marked the start of the brand’s annual festive campaign.

Following the Nairobi launchwhere thousands gathered for music, dance, and the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) the Caravan has travelled across Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, Eastern, and Nairobi regions, engaging communities through mall activations and community visits.

This year’s campaign is anchored on Coca-Cola’s global theme, “The World Needs More Santas,” which encourages people to spread kindness through small but meaningful actions.

Speaking during the Coast launch at Pirates Beach in Mombasa County on Saturday, December 14, 2025, Ruth Mwake, Market Service Officer at Coastal Bottlers Limited, said the initiative celebrates everyday acts of generosity.

“We are celebrating the real Santas within our communities—people whose selfless actions embody the true spirit of Christmas,” Mwake said.

The Coastal leg of the Caravan, which attracted hundreds of residents, will run until December 21, with stops planned at malls, markets, and neighbourhoods across Mombasa.

Loyce Odhiambo, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Manager, said the festive season is a time for reflection and reconnection.

"Christmas invites us to pause, reconnect, and appreciate the moments and people that matter most,” she said.

Residents who participated in the event welcomed the campaign, saying it created a sense of belonging and appreciation.

“I received a gift and felt truly valued. It’s a wonderful way to spread joy during the festive season,” said Jacklin Wayua, a trader at Pirates Beach.

The Caravan features immersive cultural experiences alongside the distribution of locally valued essentials, including soda, goats, chickens, fish, and chapati flour.

A highlight of the global campaign is a refreshed version of Coca-Cola’s iconic “Holidays Are Coming” commercial, developed using generative AI in partnership with Silverside AI, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling.

Coca-Cola is also inviting Kenyans to share their personal “Santa moments” on its digital platforms, aiming to inspire a nationwide spirit of generosity, togetherness, and festive cheer

Evans Momanyi, Chairman of the Capital Youths Caucus, has called on the media to strengthen its role as a watchdog for the public, urging journalists to remain firm in holding leaders accountable.

Speaking during an end-year party for KBC Mombasa staff, Momanyi emphasized the trust citizens place in journalists to expose wrongdoing and safeguard public interest.

“It is you, the media, that we will look up to and depend on. Your duty is to ensure you report and highlight any wrongdoings in our society and also put our leaders on toes,” he said.

Momanyi also urged the government to guarantee that the media operates in a free and conducive environment, stressing that freedom of the press is essential for any democratic society. He appealed to authorities to respect and protect journalists’ rights as they carry out their watchdog role.

“The government must ensure the media works in a free space. Freedom of the media and freedom of expression are not privileges they are rights that must be upheld,” he added.

He further called for unity among the Mombasa media fraternity, noting that collaboration and solidarity are crucial in navigating the challenges facing the industry.

Momanyi encouraged journalists across different stations and platforms to support one another, share resources where possible, and foster a spirit of mutual respect to strengthen the region’s media landscape.

The Mombasa City County Government, in partnership with the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), today launched the “Slow Down or Face the Consequences” mass media campaign to deter speeding alongside the release of the Mombasa Road Safety Report 2024.

The Mombasa Road Safety Report 2024 presents updated data and trends on road traffic deaths and injuries, revealing that speeding remains one of the leading contributors to crashes in both Mombasa and Kenya at large. Observational data collected between December 2022 and August 2024 show that speeding remains a major and persistent challenge in Mombasa, with 20–27% of vehicles exceeding posted speed limits and average travel speeds rising from 39 km/h to 44 km/h during the period.

SUVs and pickups/light trucks recorded the highest levels of speeding, followed closely by sedans, motorcycles, and minibuses posing heightened risks to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and passengers.

Speeding was also found to be more common on weekends than weekdays, reflecting increased risky driving behavior.

These trends underscore the urgent need for intensified enforcement and public awareness efforts, making the speeding campaign both timely and critical for reducing preventable crashes in Mombasa.

 Running for one month, the campaign tagged “Slow Down or Face the Consequences”— highlights how speeding endangers the most vulnerable road users and highlights the legal consequences of violating speed limits.

The Coast Regional Traffic Officer and the Mombasa Inspectorate have issued strong warnings to the public and motorists to adhere to the recommended speed limits or face the full consequences of the law. The campaign is timed with enforcement operations, which will be carried out on high-risk corridors to reinforce safe speeds throughout the festive season.

The Coast region police will be able to use the newly acquired speed radar devices to enforce speed limits more effectively. This will be complemented by recent training and additional equipment, including reflector jackets and beacons.

The campaign will also be displayed on billboards, radio public service announcements, social media, and community sensitization efforts.

Coast Regional Traffic Officer George Kashimiri noted that this is a critical moment for the region to commit to saving lives by strengthening enforcement operations during this high-risk period.

“Through enhanced enforcement, we will ensure that motorists adhere to safe speeds and that all road users are protected. We urge everyone to be cautious on the roads and to follow the recommended speed limits throughout this festive season and beyond.”

Mombasa County Transport Minister,  Daniel Manyala, said that this campaign is a crucial step toward addressing the rise in speed-related crashes and strengthening the county’s overall road safety efforts.

"This report underscores the critical need for strengthened enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and targeted engineering interventions to address the most dangerous corridors and intersections. Together, we can reverse these alarming trends."

Dr. Raphael Awuah, Regional Technical Advisor for Africa at Vital Strategies, said, "The increase in road traffic deaths and injuries in Mombasa underscores the urgent need for a holistic approach to road safety. Findings from this report provide an opportunity to assess trends, identify high-risk groups, and develop targeted interventions to save lives. We applaud the Mombasa City County Government’s dedication to timely, accurate data collection on road traffic deaths and injuries which informed the launch of their new campaign to reduce speeding.”

Last year, during the 2024/25 festive season, the “Slow Down Speed Kills” speeding campaign run by Mombasa County Government and National Transport and Safety Authority reached nearly half of Mombasa’s adult drivers, yet the post-campaign evaluation exposed critical gaps, many motorists did not notice enforcement operations, over 20% still reported feeling safe driving above the speed limit, and more than 30% said it was acceptable to break the limit when they felt “in control.”

These findings make it clear that a stronger, more visible enforcement effort is essential this year.

This data helped shape the “Slow Down or Face the Consequences” campaign development.

The report identifies the county’s top five high-risk corridors: Mombasa–Nairobi Road, Mombasa–Malindi Road, Likoni–Ukunda Road, Port Reitz–Airport Road, and Makupa Causeway, underscoring the need for targeted and sustained interventions. The "Slow Down or Face the Consequences” campaign will run throughout the festive season, combining enforcement, public sensitization, and data-driven strategies to protect all road users.