Florence Kwamboka Wins Ksh 10 Million Shinda Washinde Jackpot

Florence Kwamboka from Nyamira County walked away with Ksh 10 million Shinda Washinde jackpot, courtesy of the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS).

The elated 25 year-old single mother of one could not hide her joy as she received the prize money. A clerk by profession, Florence said that a feature she watched on Shinda Washinde where the KRCS gave shoes to children in Kitui inspired her to play the raffle.

“I am still shaking from the news that I have won the prize, though I played to support the work of the Kenya Red Cross. I was touched by an episode of the show in which the Society gave shoes to children in Kitui to protect them from snakebites and jiggers. I decided to give the raffle a try, of course hoping to win, and I am grateful to God for transforming my life,” Florence said.

The Shinda Washinde raffle was launched in November 2016 by the Kenya Red Cross Society to raise funds for its disaster kitty and improve humanitarian work across Kenya. It included a weekly TV show that highlighted the multi-sectoral projects that were being implemented by KRCS in the areas of disaster operations, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, disaster risk reduction, refugee operations, youth empowerment among others.

While congratulating the winner, KRCS Secretary General Dr. Abbas Gullet thanked the public and lottery regulator the Betting, Control and Licensing Board for their support in the success of the raffle. “Shinda Washinde was borne out of a need to mobilize resources that would build on the response capacity of the Kenya Red Cross Society,” Dr. Gullet said.

“The raffle was meant to benefit both the player and those in need of assistance through our programmes. We congratulate Florence on her win and ask for continued public support through our countrywide branches.”

The Shinda Washinde raffle was designed and managed by Q-One Lotto Limited. The raffle had daily draws of Ksh100,000, Ksh10,000 and Ksh1,000. It further had a weekly draw of Ksh1,000,000 and the coveted top prize of Ksh10million.

“We also leveraged the platform to show Kenyans that we are more than an emergency response organization, as we have also piloted and sustained multiple development projects ranging from water conservation and sanitation, food security and health,” added Dr. Gullet.

On his part, Chief Executive Officer Peter Karimi also congratulated Florence, committing to support her with the needed financial advice.

 "It is a happy moment as we conclude a successful nine month campaign in which we supported the biggest charity in the country to collect resources for its sustainability projects. We are also happy to hand over Ksh10 million to Ms. Kwamboka who will receive investment guidance from out financial expert,” said Mr. Karimi.

When asked how she will spend her winnings, Florence said "I would like to buy land and do some farming. This prize will also help me buy a home and settle.”

During the event, Dr. Abbas also called for peace in the coming elections and appealed for support in cushioning communities that continue to experience the harsh effects of the prolonged Kenyan drought. "As the tempo on elections mounts, we still have communities that are still suffering from the prolonged drought, which experts warn will go on until around September.”

The Kenya Red Cross targets to mobilize Ksh2.5 billion under the current drought campaign to support the affected populations. A total of 3.5 people are currently affected and in need of assistance.