Absa–World Navi Deal Revolutionizes Car Imports with 95% Financing and Faster Delivery
By Jeff Kizzilah/Digital Editor
Absa Bank Kenya has entered into a strategic partnership with World Navi Co. Ltd to simplify and streamline vehicle importation for Kenyan customers, marking a major shift in how individuals and businesses acquire cars from overseas.
The collaboration, delivered through Absa’s Asset-Based Finance (ABF) solution, integrates vehicle sourcing and financing into a single, seamless process—eliminating the complexity that has long defined direct car imports.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Nairobi, Renato D’souza noted that while many Kenyans prefer importing vehicles from Japan due to quality and affordability, the process has remained costly and fragmented.
“Through this partnership, we are addressing these challenges by combining trusted vehicle sourcing with tailored financing support,” he said.
Under the arrangement, customers can now directly import vehicles via World Navi while accessing structured financing from Absa to cover major upfront costs such as purchase and shipping. This enables buyers to preserve working capital and better manage cash flow.
Yoshifumi Sawada described the partnership as a transformative step that merges global sourcing expertise with local financing strength.
“Together, we are making the importation journey simpler, faster, and more predictable for Kenyan customers,” he said.
The offering provides access to quality-assured vehicles that meet international standards, backed by physical inspections by Japanese engineers, verified mileage, and guaranteed accident-free units. Customers will also benefit from a 90-day warranty on engine and transmission.
Absa’s ABF package includes competitive financing options such as:
Up to 95% financing for general motor vehicles 90% financing for Chinese and Indian models 100% financing for personal vehicles valued below KES 6 million (repayable up to 72 months)
Financing of up to KES 10 million for school buses
Customers will also access bundled insurance through Insurance Premium Financing (IPF) with no facility fees, as well as an additional 10% working capital facility.
Beyond financing, the partnership guarantees a premium importation experience with faster delivery through priority shipping, end-to-end logistics support, and dedicated assistance in Nairobi and Mombasa for clearance and handover. Additional perks include pre-shipment services and value-added benefits such as a full tank of fuel upon delivery.
This collaboration reinforces Absa Bank Kenya’s leadership in asset-based financing while responding to the growing demand for direct vehicle importation in Kenya. By integrating financing with a trusted global supplier, the bank is setting a new benchmark for efficiency, transparency, and customer convenience in the automotive import sector.
