By Timothy Albrite
AA Kenya’s Group MD, Mr. Francis Theuri, has been awarded the prestigious FIA Innovation Award by FIA President Muhammed Ben Sulayem and Region 1 President Jorge Delgado at the FIA Region 1 Spring meeting in Cairo, Egypt.
This award is a significant honour for Africa, as it is the first time in many years that it has been bestowed on the continent.
The FIA Innovation Challenge is an inter-regional initiative for FIA Member clubs with Mobility competencies. It serves as a platform to recognize the accomplishments of Member clubs and highlight the diversity of knowledge, talent, and creativity across the four FIA Regions.
Having competed against Region 1 clubs, AA Kenya’s innovations distinguished themselves across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, winning third place for the ‘Safe to Load & Roller Brake Testing’ project. AA Kenya developed a testing mechanism for heavy-duty vehicles, which significantly improved Road Safety by reducing road accidents.
The Safe to Load & Roller Brake Testing program, ensures the safe loading of hazardous products for transport. This initiative addresses factors contributing to road accidents by conducting comprehensive vehicle inspections before loading thereby enhancing Road Safety.
Over the years, AA Kenya has been at the forefront of innovations in the mobility sector. From the digitization of services, including the transition of mileage rates to a digital platform in response to the increasing demand for online services, to the digitization of the Autonews magazine to an e-magazine and a real-time blog updated daily with motoring news.
Additionally, AA Kenya pioneered online-based driving school classes and launched the AA Driving test app, allowing students to assess their exam readiness.
Among other digital solutions, AA introduced the AA Flight Delay Assistance (FDA) app, offering air travellers access to airport lounges during flight delays exceeding an hour.
AA has also diversified its Membership to include a wide range of Members, from school-going children to individual motorists and corporates.
The AA Automart serves as a hub for motorists intending to buy a vehicle, providing comprehensive information and linking buyers to sellers, along with vehicle inspections and car financing details.
AA Kenya is dedicated to advancing innovation in order to deliver cutting-edge mobility solutions for the future.