By Daniel Kiprono
The 2026 AA Kenya Best Driver Challenge is gathering momentum as drivers from across the country compete for a chance to prove they are among Kenya’s safest and most skilled motorists.
Having already completed regional qualifiers in Eldoret and Mombasa, the competition now heads into its next regions as participants continue their journey towards the National Finals and the opportunity to represent Kenya on the continental stage.
Organised by AA Kenya in partnership with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the Best Driver Challenge has become one of the country’s leading road safety initiatives. The competition seeks to identify drivers who demonstrate not only exceptional vehicle handling skills but also a strong understanding of road safety, traffic regulations and responsible driving practices.
This year’s challenge features three categories: Best Young Driver, Ladies Only and The Masters category, providing motorists from different demographics with an opportunity to test their abilities in a structured and competitive environment.
The regional contests began in Eldoret, where participants took part in a series of practical and theoretical assessments designed to evaluate their knowledge, precision and overall driving competence. The challenge then moved to Mombasa, attracting another group of motorists eager to secure a place in the next round of the competition.
Unlike conventional driving contests that focus primarily on speed or vehicle performance, the Best Driver Challenge places road safety at the centre of the competition. Participants are assessed on a range of skills including vehicle control, manoeuvring, hazard perception, traffic rules, road signs and first aid knowledge.
The competition reflects AA Kenya’s ongoing commitment to improving road safety standards by encouraging motorists to adopt safer driving habits and develop a deeper understanding of their responsibilities behind the wheel.
The journey is far from over. Following the regional rounds, the challenge will move to Nakuru before concluding the qualification stage in Nairobi. The best performers from across the country will then advance to the National Finals, where Kenya’s top drivers will compete for national honours.
For participants in the Best Young Driver category, the stakes extend beyond the national title. Winners will earn the opportunity to represent Kenya at the African Best Young Driver Contest, which is scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, later this year.
The continental competition brings together outstanding young drivers from across Africa, providing a platform to showcase driving excellence, road safety awareness and technical competence on an international stage. Competitors are tested on a combination of practical driving skills, road safety knowledge and emergency response capabilities, reflecting the FIA’s broader objective of promoting safer roads across the continent.
As the Best Driver Challenge progresses towards its decisive stages, the competition continues to demonstrate that excellence behind the wheel is about far more than driving ability alone. It is about discipline, awareness, responsibility and a commitment to making roads safer for all users.
With the National Finals drawing closer and continental honours on the horizon, the race to identify Kenya’s best drivers is only just heating up.
To sign up for the competition, register at www.bestdriver.aakenya.co.ke
