By Nemuel Ondima
Kenya has reaffirmed its dominance in safe and skilled driving after Victor Maina Kabura emerged champion at the African Best Young Driver (ABYD) Finals 2025, held at the WRC Service Park in Naivasha.
The continental showdown brought together national finalists from Kenya, South Africa, and Botswana, testing their precision, composure, and road safety awareness through six rigorous driving challenges , from emergency tire changes and braking avoidance to off-road terrain handling and roll car stability.
“The African Best Young Driver competition is about shaping responsible drivers, not chasing speed,” said Daniel Kiprono, Head of AA Kenya Driving School.
“It builds confidence, discipline, and awareness, qualities every driver needs.”
AA Kenya CEO Francis Theuri hailed the event as a milestone in advancing Kenya’s leadership in road safety and youth empowerment.
Silvia Goya (left) of FIA presenting the Africa BYD rotating trophy to Francis Theuri (right), Group Managing Director of AA Kenya as the Winners of this years Africa Best Young Driver Championship. Behind are the contestants
“Hosting the ABYD Finals here in Naivasha demonstrates Kenya’s growing influence in nurturing a new generation of drivers who combine skill with responsibility,” he said.
Final Standings ABYD Finals 2025
🥇 1st: Victor Maina Kabura (Kenya)
🥈 2nd: Wany Tebogo Wani (Botswana)
🥉 3rd: Chris Waweru Kungu (Kenya)4th: Musawahosi Khoza (South Africa)
5th: Matlala Praise Tumiso (South Africa)
6th: Tapiwa Lydia Geofrey (Botswana)
The ABYD initiative, spearheaded by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and implemented locally by AA Kenya, attracted over 2,380 participants across national selections held in Eldoret, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Nairobi.
Held alongside the WRC Safari Rally Kenya, the finals also featured road safety campaigns by the Kenya Police, reinforcing key messages such as “Do Not Overlap” and “Keep Left Unless Overtaking.”
Kenya’s victory on home soil not only showcased technical excellence but also celebrated a generation of young motorists committed to responsible mobility, driving Africa’s future safely and confidently forward.
