Christine Kagendo 
Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Renato D'souza (2nd Right) and World Navi CEO Yoshifumi Sawada (2nd Left) during the signing of a strategic Asset Based Financing partnership with World Navi, enabling customers to directly import vehicles from Japan while accessing structured asset financing from Absa Bank.
Absa Bank Kenya has announced a strategic partnership with World Navi, a global vehicle exporter headquartered in Japan.
This collaboration, delivered through Absa’s Asset-Based Finance (ABF) offering, is set to transform the vehicle importation experience for Kenyan customers by making the process more accessible, efficient, and financially manageable.
The partnership integrates financing and vehicle sourcing into a single, seamless solution. Customers can directly import vehicles through World Navi while accessing structured asset financing from Absa Bank, simplifying what has traditionally been a complex and fragmented process.
“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 Renato D’souza, Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director, during the signing ceremony in Nairobi.
“Through this partnership, we are seeking to address these challenges by offering an integrated solution that combines trusted vehicle sourcing with tailored financing support,” he added.
Customers will be able to access import financing that covers key upfront costs, including vehicle purchase and shipping expenses.
This allows them to preserve working capital and better manage cash flow while still acquiring the vehicles they need. Additionally, customers will benefit from access to reputable, quality‑checked vehicles through a trusted partner and enjoy a smoother, guided process from Japan to Kenya.
On his part,World Navi Co. Ltd Managing Director Yoshifumi Sawada, said: “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.
It not only expands access to high-quality vehicles for individuals, SMEs, and corporates, but also sets a new standard for industry by integrating financing and supply into one streamlined solution that prioritizes reliability, transparency, and value.
Together, we are making the importation journey simpler, faster, and more predictable for Kenyan customers.”
By leveraging World Navi’s expertise as a reputable global exporter, customers are assured of vehicles that meet international standards.
The streamlined process is also expected to significantly reduce turnaround times, enabling faster delivery compared to traditional import channels.
Absa’s Asset-Based Finance (ABF) offers attractive financing options, including:
- Up to 95% financing on general motor vehicle units.
- 90% financing on Chinese/Indian models.
- 100% loan-to-value (LTV) financing for personal units valued below KES 6 million, payable over up to 72 months.
- Financing limits of up to KES 10 million for school buses.
Customers will also benefit from bundled insurance with Insurance Premium Financing (IPF) at no facility fees, alongside access to an additional 10% working capital facility to support their businesses.
In addition, the partnership offers a safe and reliable importation process, backed by rigorous quality assurance through physical inspections by Japanese engineers, certified genuine mileage, and guaranteed accident-free vehicles, as well as a 90-day warranty on engine and transmission.
Customers will also enjoy faster delivery through priority shipping, seamless end-to-end handling from purchase to delivery, and dedicated local support in Nairobi and Mombasa for clearing, logistics,and vehicle handover.
Altogether, the offering delivers a premium, customer-centric experience, with VVIP handling of transactions, pre-shipment service, and added value benefits such as a full tank of fuel on delivery.
This partnership reinforces Absa Bank Kenya’s position as a leading provider of asset-based financing solutions in the region.
By integrating financing with trusted global supply partners,the bank continues to deliver holistic solutions that address real customer needs.
As demand for direct vehicle importation grows in Kenya, this collaboration marks a significant step toward making the process more efficient, predictable, and customer friendly.
