By Hilda Kihori
The FIA has announced the winners for the 2024 FIA Innovation Challenge and AA Kenya has made history by securing a top spot. AA Kenya clinched the prestigious recognition as the FIA Region I winner for its “Safe to Load” project, which aims to tackle road safety issues in the country.
The FIA Innovation Challenge, launched earlier this year, is an inter-regional initiative designed to recognize and reward the most innovative mobility projects from FIA Member Clubs around the world. With a pool of submissions from clubs spanning four global regions, the challenge celebrates innovative business and marketing strategies that enhance mobility and promote road safety, sustainability, and community empowerment.
Kenya’s “Safe to Load” Project
AA Kenya’s “Safe to Load” initiative was selected as the best mobility innovation within FIA Region I. The project addresses a pressing issue in Kenya—the high number of accidents involving trucks and tankers, which are often linked to poor vehicle conditions and unsafe loading practices.
AA Kenya identified four factors contributing to accidents: un-roadworthy tankers, brake failure, unqualified drivers, and human negligence. In response to these factors, AAK partnered with corporations, such as Total Energies, to conduct comprehensive vehicle inspections prior to loading. These inspections encompass compliance checks, insurance verification, assessment of engine performance, evaluation of braking systems, scrutiny of driver qualifications, and examination of vehicle maintenance practices. Drivers also undergo rigorous training in defensive driving techniques before commencing their journeys.
Other Global Winners
While Kenya stands out as the Region I winner, the FIA Innovation Challenge has also celebrated other remarkable mobility projects across the globe:
- Australia: The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) was honored as the FIA Region II winner for its “Real-World Testing Programme.” This initiative measures the real-world fuel consumption and emissions of vehicles, providing drivers with valuable data to make more informed decisions about their vehicles’ environmental impact.
- Canada: The Alberta Motor Association (CAA AMA) won FIA Region III for its “Hello Alberta!” program, which supports newly arrived immigrants by offering free membership, driving courses, and language support. The initiative helps newcomers settle in Alberta while promoting the benefits of joining the local mobility community.
- Colombia: The Touring y Automóvil Club de Colombia (ACC) took home the FIA Region IV award for its “Smart Cities” project, which uses advanced technology such as drones and traffic modeling tools to assist local governments in implementing smarter, more efficient urban mobility solutions.
The FIA Innovation Challenge is part of the FIA’s broader strategy to promote innovation, foster collaboration, and encourage the exchange of best practices among its Member Clubs. The global mobility network is increasingly seen as a powerful force for change, with clubs using innovative solutions to address local and regional challenges in transport, sustainability, and safety.
“This challenge is all about recognizing the incredible ideas that are driving the future of mobility,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “The winners of the 2024 FIA Innovation Challenge represent the best of what’s possible in our industry, and we are proud to showcase their achievements. Our goal is to encourage more Member Clubs to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and share their solutions across borders.”
As the FIA Innovation Challenge winners, AA Kenya, along with the other awardees, will receive their official recognition during the FIA General Assemblies week in Kigali, Rwanda, in December. The award ceremony will coincide with a landmark moment for the FIA, as it also hosts the 2024 FIA Awards in the Rwandan capital.
The FIA Innovation Challenge victory represents a major achievement for Kenya, signaling the country’s growing influence in global mobility discussions. As Kenya continues to invest in innovative solutions to enhance road safety, sustainability, and community development, the recognition of AA Kenya’s project provides an important platform to share lessons learned and inspire further innovation across Africa.