Emmanuel Kerario Gikumi, a 21-year-old automotive engineering student from Kuria, Migori County, has won Ksh 1 million in Coca-Cola’s Funua Flava Under the Crown promotion, becoming the third millionaire in the campaign.

The second-year Mechanical and Automotive Engineering student at Mabera Technical and Vocational College said the win has lifted a heavy burden off his shoulders.

“I have been struggling to register for exams due to lack of school fees. With this win, school fees will no longer be a barrier. I plan to complete my certificate course and enroll for a diploma in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering next year,” he said after receiving his cheque from Coca-Cola, presented by George Kerina, Coca-Cola Bottler Kenya Area Sales Manager for Mabera Region.

Gikumi, who comes from Nyamagagana Village in Kuria West, also plans to use part of the prize to support his siblings’ education and help his parents grow their businesses.

He narrated how he joined the promotion after watching an advert on TV.

“I bought a 300ml Fanta and sent the code under the crown to 40111. At first, I received data bundles, but when a friend of mine won Ksh10,000, I took the promotion more seriously. I kept playing until I got the unexpected call that I had won the grand prize,” he said.

He now joins earlier winners of Ksh 1,000,000 Lauryne Jemutai Birir, a honey trader from Baringo County, and Jacob Ochieng Liech, a boda boda rider from Kisumu County.

According to Coca-Cola, the promotion will run until November 15, with nine more millionaires expected to be unveiled.

“We encourage Kenyans to participate for a chance to win. In addition to the Ksh1 million grand prize, winners also receive instant airtime, data bundles, and cash rewards ranging from Ksh 100 to Ksh 100,000. This campaign reflects our commitment to rewarding consumers for their loyalty,” said Mr Kerina.

The Funua Flava Under the Crown promotion, launched on August 15, requires consumers to purchase a 300ml glass bottle of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Stoney, Krest, or Schweppes, check under the yellow cap for a unique code, and SMS it to 40111.