by David Watt, Managing Director
In 2014, I embarked on a journey that would shape the future of Advanced Driving Academy: Delivering HGV defensive driver training in Kenya. What began as a single trip evolved into a mission to improve road safety in East Africa, a region with a high demand for professional driver training.
Training Across Kenya
My first project in Kenya took me to the Turkana region, where I trained truck drivers on defensive driving, site safety, safe systems of work, and load security. As the need grew, so did the scope of my training, extending to light vehicles and 4×4 off-road techniques. By the time I moved to on-road training in Eldoret and Nairobi, I was working with light vehicles, trucks, and buses.
This experience revealed the challenges of road safety in the region, highlighting the urgent need for tailored training programs.
The 2023 d.light Project
A major milestone came in 2023 when I managed a project for d.light on behalf of ROLSS. This complex initiative spanned Kenya and Uganda and included:
- Developing an online driver risk assessment tool.
- Creating a pre-practical Defensive Driver Training (DDT) theory course.
- Writing and delivering practical training content for vehicles and motorcycles.
- Coordinating training across major cities, including Kisumu, Nairobi, Kampala, and Mbale.
- Training assessors and managing trainers in the field.
Covering over 4,000 kilometres, this project underscored the critical role of advanced driver training in reducing incidents and improving road safety.
Advanced Driver Academy’s Future in East Africa
Inspired by this experience, I decided to introduce Alba Advanced Driving Academy to the region. Alba Advanced Driving Academy offers a comprehensive road safety consultancy service, helping organizations with fleets of vehicles identify gaps in their safety programs and implement tailored solutions.
Our trainers are equipped with RoSPA-standard training, which I have adapted based on my experiences in East Africa to address the specific challenges drivers face in the region.
By investing in advanced driver training, organizations can not only protect their drivers but also contribute to safer roads for everyone. If your organization operates in Kenya, Uganda, or beyond, let ADA help you elevate your road safety standards. Contact us today to learn more!