For three weeks, hundreds of Kenyans challenged themselves to take more steps, improve their financial habits, sleep better and make healthier everyday choices. Among them, 29-year-old lecturer Wangari Mutuku stood out by demonstrating the greatest improvement in her overall wellbeing, earning a fully sponsored 15-day trip across Asia through the Old Mutual Thrive Your Way to Asia challenge.
The challenge, which attracted 836 participants, rewarded measurable improvements in physical and financial wellbeing rather than selecting winners through a random draw.
Wangari earned the opportunity to explore Thailand, Singapore, Bali and Malaysia after recording the strongest improvement in her Thrive Score during the challenge, which ran from August 1 to August 23, 2026.
Designed to encourage positive lifestyle change, the challenge motivated participants to increase their physical activity, improve sleep consistency, reduce sedentary time and engage more actively with financial wellbeing tools available through the Old Mutual Thrive platform, including a Financial Wellbeing Assessment and Money Personality Quiz.
For Wangari, the appeal of Old Mutual Thrive was being able to track physical wellness, nutrition and financial wellbeing in one app, with convenient smartwatch connectivity. The challenge also helped her become more intentional about her nutrition and take up swimming alongside running.
“I joined Thrive because I wanted to keep track of my wellbeing. I liked being able to see my physical activity, nutrition and financial wellbeing in one place, and connecting my smartwatch made tracking my progress easier. The challenge made me more conscious of what I eat and how it affects my physical health. I’ve also started swimming alongside running. I’m excited to explore new places and experience running and exercising in different climates,” said Wangari.
The initiative forms part of Old Mutual’s broader commitment to helping Kenyans take a more proactive approach to both their physical and financial wellbeing.
According to Janet Waiyaki, Head, Thrive and Ecosystem, the challenge demonstrates the power of combining behavioural science, technology and meaningful incentives to encourage positive change.
“What excites us most is not the destination itself, but what it took to get there. Wangari made consistent, intentional improvements to her daily habits and wellbeing, and her achievement demonstrates what is possible when people commit to positive change. Through Thrive, we are helping Kenyans take practical steps towards healthier and more financially secure lives while recognising the progress they make along the way.”
The campaign marks the third international travel experience awarded through the partnership between Old Mutual Thrive and Wavu Travels in 2026, following previous travel experiences awarded earlier this year.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to rewarding positive behaviour and making wellbeing more engaging, accessible and rewarding.
Winnie Muthoga, Director of Wavu Travels, said travel provides a meaningful way to celebrate personal achievement.
“Travel creates memories, broadens perspectives and inspires new possibilities. Through our partnership with Old Mutual Thrive, we are connecting the excitement of discovering new destinations with the personal achievement of improving one’s wellbeing. We are delighted to celebrate Wangari’s success and be part of a journey that recognises commitment, discipline and growth.”
As part of her prize, Wangari will enjoy a fully sponsored travel experience covering return flights, accommodation, airport transfers, visa facilitation and itinerary coordination across four Asian destinations.
Beyond the travel reward, the campaign highlights the growing role of digital wellbeing platforms in helping individuals understand, measure and improve their overall wellbeing.
Across the challenge, participants collectively recorded 70.7 million steps—approximately 53,000 kilometres, or 1.3 times around the Earth—and logged 4,919 hours of exercise. A total of 514 people achieved 10,000 or more steps. In addition, 45% of participants averaged at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, while 50% averaged seven to nine hours of sleep per night
Through the Old Mutual Thrive app, users can assess their financial wellbeing, monitor their physical wellness and participate in challenges designed to encourage healthier everyday behaviours.
With more than 270,000 registered users, Old Mutual Thrive continues to expand its reach as a platform that empowers Kenyans to make informed decisions about their health, finances and overall wellbeing.
