The weight of school fees and exam registration had been a heavy burden for 21-year-old Emmanuel Kerario Gikumi.

But now, thanks to a lucky Fanta bottle, that burden has been lifted.

The second-year automotive engineering student from Migori County is the newest millionaire in Coca-Cola’s “Funua Flava Under the Crown” promotion, winning KES 1 million.

“I have been struggling to register for exams due to lack of school fees,” Gikumi said after receiving his cheque.

“With this win, school fees will no longer be a barrier. I plan to complete my certificate course and enroll for a diploma next year.”

The student at Mabera Technical and Vocational College also plans to use the money to support his siblings’ education and help his parents expand their businesses in their hometown of Nyamagagana Village.

Gikumi’s journey to becoming a millionaire began with a simple TV ad.

“I bought a 300ml Fanta and sent the code under the crown to 40111,” he recalled. While he initially only won data bundles, a friend’s KES 10,000 win motivated him to keep trying.

His persistence paid off when he got “the unexpected call” that he had won the grand prize.

Gikumi is the third millionaire in the campaign, joining honey trader Lauryne Jemutai Birir and boda boda rider Jacob Ochieng Liech.

According to George Kerina, Coca-Cola’s Mabera Region Area Sales Manager, the promotion will run until November 15, with nine more millionaires to be announced.

The campaign, which rewards consumers with everything from airtime to cash prizes up to KES 100,000, aims to thank customers for their loyalty.

To participate, simply purchase a 300ml glass bottle of any Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Stoney, Krest, or Schweppes product. Find the unique code under the yellow cap and SMS it to 40111.