By: Cynthia Masibo
Nairobi commuters received a pleasant surprise on their daily journeys as Coca-Cola launched its “Javv na Coke” campaign, offering free matatu rides to thousands of passengers from Ngara stage to over ten destinations. This remarkable initiative brought financial relief and smiles to residents, especially during the financially strained month of January.
The campaign kicked off early in the morning at 6 a.m., with Coca-Cola representatives announcing the offer to excited passengers. Commuters were given free rides to destinations such as Westlands, Uthiru, Kangemi, Limuru, and Wangige by purchasing a bottle of Coca-Cola for just Ksh 20 in a returnable glass bottle, irrespective of their usual fare.
Florence Waweru, a delighted commuter traveling to Limuru, could not hide her excitement. “God is great! I usually pay Ksh 120 to travel to Limuru and back, but today, I saved that money and got a Coke instead,” she said. Her sentiments reflected the relief felt by many who struggle with high transport costs in January, often referred to as “Njaanuary” due to financial hardships following the festive season.
Ms. Joyce Akinyi, a vendor from Wangige, also expressed gratitude for the initiative. “I saved Ksh 40 after Coca-Cola paid my fare. This initiative is a blessing, especially in January when expenses are high,” she said, adding that the refreshing Coke was an added bonus.
Another commuter, Justus Ndunda, who frequently travels between Ngara and Limuru, said the campaign was a timely relief. “I heard about the campaign at the stage and grabbed the chance. I usually spend Ksh 60, but today, I saved Ksh 40 and enjoyed a refreshing Coke,” he noted, commending the beverage company for the thoughtful gesture.
The Javv na Coke campaign comes at a time when many Kenyans are grappling with high living costs, including inflated transport fares. The move by Coca-Cola not only eased financial pressure but also created a unique and memorable experience for commuters. The campaign drew crowds at Ngara stage as passengers rushed to take advantage of the offer, highlighting the significant impact of small financial savings during tough economic times.
While the exact duration and potential extension of the initiative to other stages in Nairobi remain unclear, the campaign has sparked hope among residents for more such surprises in the future. “I hope they can extend this to other routes or stages. It’s such a thoughtful initiative,” said a commuter headed to Uthiru.
This isn’t the first time Coca-Cola has endeared itself to the Kenyan public through creative campaigns. The company has a history of engaging with communities in unique and impactful ways, blending business strategies with social goodwill.
The Javv na Coke campaign stands out as a testament to the power of simple gestures in uplifting communities, particularly during challenging times. As commuters savored their free rides and bottles of Coke, the initiative demonstrated how brands can connect meaningfully with their consumers while addressing everyday challenges.
