Absa Bank Kenya has partnered with Japan-based global vehicle exporter World Navi to make vehicle importation easier, faster, and more affordable for Kenyan customers through its Asset-Based Finance (ABF) offering.
The strategic partnership, announced in Nairobi on Monday, integrates vehicle sourcing and financing into one seamless solution, allowing customers to directly import vehicles from Japan while accessing structured financing support from Absa Bank.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Renato D’souza said the collaboration is aimed at addressing the challenges many Kenyans face when importing vehicles directly from Japan.
“A growing number of Kenyans are opting to import vehicles directly from Japan due to the availability of high-quality units, competitive pricing, and a wider range of models. However, the process has traditionally been complex, often involving high upfront costs, fluctuating shipping expenses, and extended delivery timelines,” said D’souza.
He noted that the partnership combines trusted vehicle sourcing with tailored financing support to ease the burden on customers and improve the overall importation experience.
Under the arrangement, customers will be able to access import financing covering key upfront costs such as vehicle purchase and shipping expenses. This will help them preserve working capital and better manage cash flow while acquiring the vehicles they need.
Customers will also benefit from access to quality-checked vehicles sourced through World Navi, alongside a guided importation process from Japan to Kenya.
World Navi Co. Ltd Managing Director Yoshifumi Sawada described the agreement as a major milestone for the company in Kenya.
“This partnership with Absa Bank Kenya represents a defining step for World Navi as we bring together our global vehicle sourcing expertise with Absa’s strong asset financing capabilities to deliver a seamless, trusted, and customer-centric importation experience,” said Sawada.
He added that the collaboration will expand access to high-quality vehicles for individuals, SMEs, and corporates while setting a new industry standard by integrating financing and supply into one streamlined process.
Absa’s Asset-Based Finance package offers up to 95 percent financing on general motor vehicle units and 90 percent financing on Chinese and Indian models.
Customers importing personal vehicles valued below KES 6 million can access 100 percent loan-to-value financing repayable over up to 72 months. The bank also offers financing of up to KES 10 million for school buses.
In addition, customers will benefit from bundled insurance with Insurance Premium Financing at no facility fees and access to an extra 10 percent working capital facility to support business operations.
The partnership also promises a safer and more reliable importation process through physical inspections by Japanese engineers, certified genuine mileage, guaranteed accident-free vehicles, and a 90-day warranty on engine and transmission.
Customers will further enjoy priority shipping, faster delivery, dedicated support in Nairobi and Mombasa for clearing and logistics, and premium services including pre-shipment support and vehicle handover.
Absa Bank said the collaboration reinforces its position as a leading provider of asset-based financing solutions while responding to the growing demand for direct vehicle importation in Kenya.