Kenya’s ‘Best Young Driver’ Stars Shine Bright

By Timothy Albrite

The second edition of the Best Young Driver (BYD) contest in Kenya has concluded, with Angaya Cyrill Stark and Kevin Lee Kipruto emerging as the national champions. The talented duo will now represent Kenya at the global finals in Belgium this October.

The contest, organized by AA Kenya & FIA, aims to promote road safety among young drivers and highlight their potential to drive responsibly. The competition involves a series of challenges designed to test drivers’ skills in various road conditions, including cornering, off-road driving, and parking.

The journey to the national finals began with regional auditions held across the country. From Nairobi, Eldoret, Mombasa & Nakuru. Young drivers between the ages of 18 and 26 competed in a series of challenges to showcase their driving abilities. The best drivers from each region then advanced to the grand finale at the Whistling Morans in Athiriver that saw 70 drivers battle it out for the Belgian ticket.

The finals were a grueling test of driving skills, with challenges that pushed participants to their limits. Drivers had to navigate through obstacle courses, reverse park within tight spaces, off-road challenges and demonstrate their ability to handle different road surfaces.

Seventy finalists faced six demanding challenges, including:

• Braking and obstacle avoidance: Drivers had to navigate a course with water-covered obstacles.

• Car control: The drivers were tested on their ability to control their vehicles during a spin plate challenge.

• Time slalom: A curve challenge with a wet tarmac surface.

• Off-road terrain: Drivers navigated a challenging off-road course supported by Roadcruza tyres.

• Damage reduction parcours: A parking challenge that tested precision and control.

• Roll car challenge: The rear tires of the vehicles were lifted onto rollers, requiring drivers to maintain balance and stability.

“This competition is not just about winning; it’s about promoting responsible driving among young people,” said Francis Theuri, the Group Managing Director of AA Kenya. “We want to show the world that Kenyan drivers are capable of setting a positive example on the roads.”

The BYD contest is part of a global initiative to raise awareness of road safety among young drivers. Last year, Kenya made its debut at the international finals in Vienna, Austria.

While the men dominated the competition this year, AA is encouraging more women to participate in future editions. “We believe that women have the potential to be excellent drivers.We hope to see more female participants excel in the next BYD contest.”

Stay tuned as we follow Angaya Cyrill Stark and Kevin Lee Kipruto as they prepare to represent Kenya at the global finals.