Lynn Njambi Muiruri -BYD 2023 runners-up (pictured above)
Lynn Njambi is not your average 21-year-old. With a passion for cars ignited from childhood, she has carved a unique path for herself, culminating in a prestigious title: Kenya’s Best Young Driver at the Best Young Driver 2023 contest, which was the first time the contest was held in Kenya.
Her victory earned her an opportunity to represent Kenya at the BYD finals in Vienna, Austria.
Growing up amidst car enthusiasts, Lynn’s fascination with automobiles started early. By 14, she yearned to be behind the wheel. The desire to participate in the Best Young Driver contest began when she stumbled upon an AA Kenya TikTok post. Intrigued, she delved deeper and discovered the legitimacy of the competition then signed up to participate.
Preparation for the contest was rigorous. Supported by her parents, Lynn immersed herself in road rules, attended refresher classes, and honed her skills through go-karting. Even the experience of driving a pickup truck became a valuable addition to her skill set.
She went through the auditions, and qualified for the finals where she emerged the runners-up. Here is where she earned her ticket to represent Kenya at the global finals in Austria.
Being crowned Kenya’s Best Young Driver was a surreal experience. The weight of the title and the expectations it carries are immense, but Lynne is embracing the challenge. She envisions a future in the automotive industry, perhaps in rally or drag racing.
For Lynn, the global contest in Austria was a crucible of challenges. Unfamiliar obstacles, left-hand driving and electric vehicles. The pressure of representing Kenya added layers of complexity. “I was competing against people who were already familiar with these conditions,” Lynn admits.
Fear and anxiety were constant companions. Yet, she persevered, viewing the experience as a learning curve.
The turning point came during the off-road challenge. She excelled, conquering the course with speed and precision.
Beyond personal glory, Lynn is committed to road safety. She is disturbed by the lack of road safety awareness among young drivers and plans to initiate a road safety program in her community.
“I am in the initial stages of planning a program to engage the youth at my local church in teaching and promoting road safety practices. I hope to partner with AA Kenya to extend this program to other young people, ultimately contributing to the creation of safer communities,” said Lynne.
Kevin Makau Kituku (BYD 2023 Champion)
At 24 years old, Kelvin (pictured left above) is a rising star in the automotive world. In an exclusive interview with Autonews, Makau shared his journey, the challenges he faced, and his aspirations for the future.
“I’ve always had a passion for driving,” Makau said. His journey began at the age of 19 when he first got behind the wheel. Over the years, his love for cars grew, and he honed his skills through countless hours of practice.
The decision to participate in the Best Young Driver competition was a natural progression for Makau. He signed up as soon as he learnt about the competition. The contest, designed to promote road safety and recognize exceptional young drivers, offered him an opportunity to test his abilities and learn from others.
Kevin prepared for the contest by sharpening his driving skills and enhancing his ability to handle different driving challenges.
Winning the Best Young Driver title in Kenya was a significant accomplishment for him. It not only boosted his confidence but also opened doors to new opportunities. The victory has had a profound impact on his life, enhancing his driving skills and reinforcing his commitment to road safety.
Then came the global challenge in Vienna, which presented new challenges such as driving a left-hand vehicle and handling an electric car for the first time. The spin-plate challenge proved to be the most difficult part of the competition.
“The most rewarding aspect of the competition was the opportunity to learn and get exposed,” Makau shared. “Interacting with talented young drivers from around the world broadened my perspective and helped me develop new skills. The experience was truly invaluable.”
As Makau looks ahead, he envisions sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. He plans to become an instructor, educating young people about the importance of road safety and equipping them with the skills to become responsible drivers.
His passion for the automotive industry is evident, and he sees himself playing a significant role in promoting safe driving practices in Kenya.