The competition, which drew national finalists from Kenya, South Africa, and Botswana, tested the driving abilities and safety awareness of Africa’s most promising young motorists.
By the end of an action-packed day, Kenya’s Victor Maina Kabura claimed the top spot, bringing pride to the host nation.
The finals featured six unique driving tests designed to evaluate not just technical skill, but also composure, judgment, and adherence to safety.
Participants tackled tasks such as emergency tire change, braking avoidance, bowl slalom, damage reduction parcours, off-road terrain handling, and roll car stability, each reflecting real-world driving challenges.
“The African Best Young Driver competition is about shaping responsible drivers, not chasing speed,” Daniel Kiprono, Head of the AA Kenya Driving School said.
“It’s a platform that equips youth with both confidence and discipline behind the wheel.”
Automobile Association of Kenya CEO Francis Theuri applauded the competitors for their impressive performance and emphasized Kenya’s leadership role in road safety.
“Hosting the ABYD Finals in Naivasha is a milestone for Kenya. It shows our growing influence in creating a new generation of road users who combine skill with responsibility,” he said.
Final Standings – African Best Young Driver Finals 2025
🥇 1st Place: Victor Maina Kabura (Kenya)
🥈 2nd Place: Wany Tebogo Wani (Botswana)
🥉 3rd Place: Chris Waweru Kungu (Kenya)
4️⃣ 4th Place: Musawahosi Khoza (South Africa)
5️⃣ 5th Place: Matlala Praise Tumiso (South Africa)
6️⃣ 6th Place: Tapiwa Lydia Geofrey (Botswana)
The ABYD initiative is spearheaded by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and implemented in Kenya by AA Kenya.
This year’s continental finals capped off a successful national campaign that saw over 2,380 young drivers participate in regional selections across Eldoret, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Nairobi.
The event was hosted alongside the WRC Safari Rally Kenya, with support from the Kenya Police, who amplified key road safety messages to motorists: “DO NOT OVERLAP” and “KEEP LEFT UNLESS OVERTAKING.”
The Naivasha finals not only celebrated competitive excellence but also reinforced AA Kenya’s mission to make young drivers champions of safe mobility.
Kenya’s victory achieved on home soil marks a defining moment for the country’s motoring youth.
It highlights a future where skill, discipline, and safety drive Africa’s next generation forward.
by ELISHA SINGIRA
