When it comes to gambling, the fickle hand of fate seldom knocks on the same door twice. In 2018, Cosmas Korir, a 36-year-old man, experienced the extraordinary stroke of luck when he clinched the SportPesa mega jackpot, bagging an impressive sum of kes 208 million. Recognizing the rarity of such good fortune, Korir knew that prudent investments were crucial to make the most of this windfall.
In an interview titled ‘The Gamblers Paradise’ on Nation’s YouTube channel, Korir shared his disbelief upon learning about his jackpot win from the then-leading betting service, SportPesa. The revelation came via a call from a SportPesa representative and further confirmation from Ronald Karauri, the CEO of the betting firm, while Korir was on his way to West Pokot.
“The caller on the line announced to me that I was the mega jackpot winner. I stopped my car to digest the information I had been given. Initially, as we placed our bets, we promised each other to share the prize money. I will still do the same to my friends who assisted me in the selection of teams,” he recounted.
To fulfill the promise made to his friends during the betting process, Korir generously gifted each of them kes 5 million. The collaborative strategy involved strategizing on team selections, with Korir contributing Sh200 to allow his friends to bet on five teams each, while he opted for seven teams.
With his newfound wealth, Korir made several strategic financial moves. His initial purchase was a Toyota Land Cruiser with a V8 engine, a decision he continues to value. He directed kes 2 million towards completing his stalled rural house in Bomet, settling a loan of kes 3.5 million borrowed for its construction.
In Eldoret, Korir acquired a flat to provide a home for his wife and three children. Additionally, he invested in two flats in Kitengela, spending Sh50 million on the first and Sh65 million on the second. The first flat, named KK, generates a monthly rental income of Sh570,000 when fully occupied. The second flat, equipped with 96 rooms comprising 25 one-bedroom units and 71 bedsitters, yields an estimated monthly rental income of Sh820,000 when fully occupied.
Realizing the significance of prudent financial management, Korir set aside Sh130 million in a fixed deposit account, allowing him time to carefully evaluate various investment options amidst the multitude of advice he received from friends and well-wishers. In essence, Korir’s journey from jackpot winner to shrewd investor showcases the thoughtful utilization of a significant windfall to secure a prosperous future.
