Wangari Mutuku, a 29-year-old lecturer from Kenya, recently earned a fully sponsored 15-day trip across Asia as the winner of the Old Mutual Thrive Your Way to Asia challenge. The initiative, which ran from August 1 to August 23, 2026, motivated hundreds of participants to improve their physical and financial wellbeing using the Old Mutual Thrive app. Out of the 836 individuals competing, Wangari’s measurable progress in overall wellbeing, tracked through the platform, secured her place on the journey. The challenge emphasized real change, rewarding those who actively improved their habits rather than relying on chance.
The Old Mutual Thrive app guided participants to focus on key areas such as increasing physical activity, improving sleep consistency, and reducing sedentary time. Users also engaged with financial tools like the Financial Wellbeing Assessment and Money Personality Quiz. For Wangari, the app’s ability to combine physical wellness, nutrition, and financial tracking into a single platform was particularly appealing. She found it easy to connect her smartwatch for accurate progress monitoring, and the challenge encouraged her to adopt new habits such as swimming alongside running.
“Joining Thrive allowed me to monitor my wellbeing comprehensively, and seeing everything in one place kept me motivated,” Wangari said. She added, “The challenge made me more mindful of my nutrition and how it influences my energy levels. Now, I’m excited to explore new places and experience different routines while traveling across Thailand, Singapore, Bali, and Malaysia.” Her success reflects how digital platforms like Old Mutual Thrive can empower individuals to make meaningful lifestyle changes.
The campaign aligns with Old Mutual’s broader goal of helping Kenyans proactively manage their health and finances. Janet Waiyaki, Head of Thrive and Ecosystem, noted that the challenge demonstrates the impact of merging behavioral science, technology, and incentives to foster positive habits. “What truly matters is the effort and intention people put into bettering themselves every day,” she said. “Wangari’s achievement shows how dedication can lead to rewarding experiences.”
Old Mutual partnered with Wavu Travels to deliver the travel prize, highlighting the role of curated experiences in celebrating personal growth. Winnie Muthoga, Director of Wavu Travels, emphasized that travel creates opportunities to broaden perspectives and inspire new possibilities. “By connecting personal achievements with meaningful journeys, this partnership recognizes the commitment and discipline required to improve one’s wellbeing,” she said.
During the challenge, participants collectively recorded 70.7 million steps, equivalent to 53,000 kilometers or 1.3 times the Earth’s circumference. Over 4,919 hours of exercise were logged, with 514 participants achieving 10,000 steps daily. Additionally, 45% exercised at least 150 minutes weekly, while half slept seven to nine hours nightly. These figures illustrate the potential for digital tools to drive widespread health improvements.
Today, the Old Mutual Thrive app supports over 270,000 users in managing their financial and physical wellness through personalized assessments, interactive challenges, and progress tracking. By combining practical tools with engaging incentives, the platform continues to expand its reach, empowering Kenyans to pursue healthier, more secure lives.