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By Victor MUJIDU
The phrase “from grass to grace” perfectly sums up the professional development of Carol Kamicha, the marketing director at TopRide Driving School, a company that was founded after much trial and error.
As a male-dominated career, driving school has been a no-go zone for most women, a perception that Carol Kamicha looked down upon and, in due course, made it in her driving ambition.
She recited her driving excursion and commented about the difficulties she ran into, including the worst moment that saw her drop off two times before resuming on her third time.
“To be honest…, I am a driving school dropout twice actually! I only managed to get a driving license in the third driving school.
“About ten years ago, I was involved in a road accident which left my back considerably weakened till today, and largely contributed to my being afraid of sitting behind a steering wheel as a driver and it took a lot to overcome my fears. Because of this trauma, I required special attention and oversight”, she said in an interview with media outlets in her office.
Being passionate about automobiles, Ms. Kamicha realized her ambition of starting a driving school that could accommodate everybody and help build their confidence on the road by merely guiding them through the course.
“For sure I love cars, especially the big machines…, I must say that my dream to start TopRide was born to be the solution for students who needed to learn at their own pace, and provide special attention to those who had my kind of challenges”, she added.
As a partnership venture that involved Kamicha and her co-investor, about Sh 20 and Sh30 million was spent, largely on fitting out the office from the shell after leasing it from the landlord, purchasing the newest ex-Japan Toyota cars, and importation of the latest simulators.
In the age of digital era where most cars are automatic, how are you ensuring that you keep up with the new technology?
To cope with the new technology in the world which grows swiftly day in and day out, TopRide Driving School installed “dual automatic and manual simulators that are more advanced and always updated to enable the institution to remain up to date with today’s technology”
How is the affordability and comfortability of the training?
To provide a conducive environment for its customers, TopRide has tremendously adjusted its systems by involving best best-trained instructors with skills to handle both fast and slow learners.
“ToRride Driving School is one of its kind because our staff are trained to treat every customer with respect, kindness, and understanding of everyone’s different backgrounds and unique experiences. Our classrooms are clean, spacious, and fitted with comfortable seats.
“We also offer 35 one-hour long lessons which is so much more than what you get in the driving school market right now”, said Ms. Kamicha who confirmed that she is currently enrolled about 350 students for the driving course.
Courses offered at Top Ride and why the school remains preferential to many
Besides offering the most engrossing lessons in the market, TopRide contains cognizant and well-articulated instructors who offer the best learning to its potential clients.
“Our courteous and knowledgeable instructors, and our clean, comfortable, and spacious classrooms ensure that our customers have the best learning experience possible.
“Our coursework includes theory lessons, 5 simulator lessons, and, 20 on-the-road practicals and all this has given us a niche for aspiring female drivers as more than 85% of our customers since we started have been women”, she said while encouraging more women to come to Topride for their driving course.
Challenges associated with the business
Just as with any other business, TopRide Driving School encounters challenges, one of which is finding presentable and professional driving instructors who can carry TopRide Driving School’s vision.
It is also costly to comply with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) regulations and requirements, as well as to create brand awareness and marketing.
Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?
By ensuring a substantive reach out to many clients across the country, TopRide is optimistic in establishing more driving centres in the near future.
“We want to have a presence in most major urban centres and a footprint across our counties so we are targeting around 20 branches in the next five years”
What do you want TopRide to be known for?
“I want us to be known as the school that takes the safety of our customers seriously and therefore never takes shortcuts and to be at the forefront of road safety campaigns for all”
Meanwhile, TopRide is under the control of three directors. These include Caro Kamicha, Richard Ndung’u who is serving in the Finance Department, and Nehemiah Ndegwa, the company Instructor.