By Timothy Albrite
Kenya reaffirmed its position as a continental leader in road safety and motorsport with a commanding performance at the inaugural African Best Young Driver (ABYD) Finals 2025, held at the WRC Service Park in Naivasha. The first-of-its-kind continental contest was designed to celebrate skill, precision, and responsibility behind the wheel, spotlighting Africa’s next generation of safe and capable drivers.
Hosted by AA Kenya in partnership with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the event brought together national finalists from across the continent for a weekend that blended competition with education. Unlike traditional racing, the Africa Best Young Driver challenge focused not on speed but on control, awareness, and safety the true marks of a responsible driver.
Throughout the finals, participants were tested on a demanding series of challenges reflecting real-world driving conditions. They navigated obstacle courses on wet surfaces, executed emergency braking and avoidance manoeuvres, managed vehicle recovery in off-road terrain, and demonstrated composure under pressure. Each test was designed to reward not just technical ability but also sound judgment and a disciplined approach to safety.
When the dust settled, Kenya’s Victor Maina Kabura emerged as the overall winner, earning the title of Africa’s Best Young Driver 2025. He was followed by Wany Tebogo Wany of Botswana, who secured second place, and Chris Waweru Kungu of Kenya, who finished third. Their victories were celebrated as milestones not only for the individuals but for the growing movement of youth-led road safety advocacy in Africa.
Final Rankings:
1. Victor Maina Kabura – Kenya 🇰🇪
2. Wany Tebogo Wany – Botswana 🇧🇼
3. Chris Waweru Kungu – Kenya 🇰🇪
4. Musawahosi Khoza – South Africa 🇿🇦
5. Malala Praise Tumiso – South Africa 🇿🇦
6. Tapiwa Lydia Geoffrey – Botswana 🇧🇼
AA Kenya Group MD, Francis Theuri lauded the participants for their passion and discipline, emphasizing the broader mission of empowering youth through responsible mobility. “Through this initiative, we are empowering young people to become ambassadors of safe mobility. Hosting the finals here in Naivasha reinforces Kenya’s commitment to road safety leadership in Africa,” said Mr. Theuri.
That sentiment echoed across the event. Daniel Kiprono, Head of the AA Kenya Driving School, explained that the contest’s purpose was to reshape how young people think about driving. “The African Best Young Driver competition is about shaping responsible drivers, not chasing speed,” he said. “It’s about showing that skill and safety go hand in hand.”
Held at the same venue that hosts the world-famous Safari Rally, the Naivasha event carried symbolic importance linking the thrill of motorsport with the responsibility of road safety. Supported by FIA Region I and local partners, the initiative marked a collaborative step forward for African motoring clubs and safety advocates.
AA Kenya expressed optimism that the contest will expand across the continent, nurturing a network of safety-conscious young drivers who can lead by example in their communities. The African BYD was also supported by the WRC Kenya team, the National Police Service, Road Safety Awareness Initiative, and road safety ambassadors across the country.