Sh10m jackpot winner eyes real estate

Pastor Samson Juma at one of his projects at Shikutse market in Malava. Three months after he won a Sh10 million betting jackpot, Samson Juma has ventured into real estate business, buying plots in Butali, Malava, Kitale and Eldoret. (PHOTO: BENJAMIN SAKWA/ STANDARD)

Three months after he won a Sh10 million betting jackpot, Samson Juma has ventured into real estate business, buying plots in Butali, Malava, Kitale and Eldoret.

In Malava sub-county, the Kenya Assembly of God pastor has put up 21 rental units and is looking forward to reaping from his investment.

“From next month, the rental houses will be ready for tenants. I expect to get some good money... There are schools and a hospital in the area and housing has been a problem for quite some time,” said Rev. Juma.

His MCHEZA fortune of Sh10,724,314 that he won in April is being felt by locals in Shikutse village.

He has created employment for more than 10 youths in the village as well as his family members.

Five motorbikes

“Transport in the village is a problem. I bought five motorbikes, which I have given out to youths to use for ferrying residents. And in the evening, they bring me something,” Juma said.
In future, Juma plans to venture into charity projects like putting up a centre to help widows and orphans from the areas.

He is confident that he will be able to provide for his seven children and educating them well.

“After receiving financial advice from various experts on how to manage the money, I opened a saving account for my children,” he said.

He added: “I will be able to give my children a successful future, one which I could only dream of. My wish is to see them successful. I also want to touch the lives of others by helping them have a better life too.”

Juma is still thanking God for the windfall.

Family needs

“My family can now afford a three-course meal. My children can go to school without any worry of being sent back home for fees and proper uniform, unlike in the past years where I have been depending on the church members,” he said.

Even with his new status, Juma is still a preacher in the village.

“When I was called with the good news, at first I dismissed them saying they were con men. I didn’t believe it. It felt like a dream and I only believed it when I alighted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and saw the mCHEZA vehicle which was waiting to take me to where the award ceremony was to take place,” Juma recalled.

When Juma won the bet and the money was credited to his bank account, financial pressure became a thing of the past.

Initially, he has been living on a half-acre farm with his siblings and parents.

“After receiving the money, I stayed in Nairobi for one week as the mCHEZA team took me to various banks where I received tips on investing and managing my finances,” he said.

He travelled back to the village and talked to his wife and they decided to settle on real estate and boda boda businesses.

Juma noted that he has not stopped betting and he wins at least Sh5,000 to Sh10,000 on a regular basis. “The first thing I did when I received the money in my account was to tithe since it was God’s doing,” Juma said.

In future, he plans to further empower the youth in his village.