Wangari Mutuku, a 29-year-old lecturer, has won a fully sponsored 15-day trip across Asia after showing the greatest improvement in overall wellbeing in the Old Mutual Thrive Your Way to Asia challenge.
The challenge ran from August 1 to August 23, 2026, and drew 836 participants. Rather than picking winners through a random draw, it rewarded measurable gains in physical and financial wellbeing. Wangari recorded the strongest improvement in her Thrive Score, earning a trip to Thailand, Singapore, Bali and Malaysia.
Participants were encouraged to move more, sleep more consistently, sit less and make use of the financial tools on the Thrive platform, including a Financial Wellbeing Assessment and a Money Personality Quiz.
Wangari said the appeal of Thrive was having physical activity, nutrition and financial wellbeing tracked in one app, with smartwatch connectivity. The challenge also made her more mindful of her diet and led her to 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 is part of Old Mutual’s wider effort to help Kenyans take a more proactive approach to their physical and financial health. Janet Waiyaki, Head, Thrive and Ecosystem, said it shows how behavioural science, technology and meaningful incentives can drive 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 prize
This is the third international trip awarded in 2026 through the partnership between Old Mutual Thrive and Wavu Travels. Wangari’s prize covers return flights, accommodation, airport transfers, visa facilitation and itinerary coordination across the four destinations.
Winnie Muthoga, Director of Wavu Travels, said travel is 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.”
Challenge results
Together, participants logged 70.7 million steps, about 53,000 kilometres or 1.3 times around the Earth, and 4,919 hours of exercise. Of the total, 514 people reached 10,000 or more steps. Some 45% averaged at least 150 minutes of exercise a week, and 50% averaged seven to nine hours of sleep a night.
Through the Thrive app, users can assess their financial wellbeing, track physical wellness and join challenges that encourage healthier habits. The platform now has more than 270,000 registered users.