Nigerian automotive firm Autocheck sets up shop in Kenya

Nigeria-based automotive firm Autochek has expanded operations to Kenya in an effort to grow its regional footprint and customer base.

The firm, which in September acquired automotive marketplaces Cheki Kenya and Cheki Uganda from ROAM Africa, has handpicked Bilhali Muriithi to lead local operations as the Country Manager.  

Speaking during the launch event in Nairobi, Etop Ikpe, Founder and CEO of Autochek underscored that Kenya’s credit penetration rate, which currently stands at 27.5 percent, was a major factor that influenced the company’s decision to commence operations in Nairobi.

“Kenya’s credit penetration rate is quite high and we are looking forward to expanding into such a market. The new base of operations in Nairobi will allow us to build upon Cheki Kenya’s proven success in the region over the last decade and it will also help the firm roll out solutions that will spur growth across the continent’s automotive industry,” Ikpe explained.

Autochek will take advantage of its high end automotive solutions to offer clients vehicle financing options through finance partners such as NCBA Bank, Caritas MFB, KKVL, Musoni and Sidian Bank. With Cheki Kenya’s business now incorporated with Autochek’s, the firm now has over 12, 000 vehicles listed on the Autochek application.

The firm has similarly sought out and included both brand new car manufacturers such as Inchcape, CFAO Group and CMC Motors and second hand car dealers such as Rahim, Autobox, Mombasa Khushi & Canon Motors on the platform.

The Autochek boss consequently congratulated Muriithi on her recent appointment stating that she was the right individual to lead the company during its expansion process.

“As we expand into Kenya we are pleased to have Bilhah on the team. She is a proven professional with a strong work ethic and her background in finance and the automotive sectors make her the ideal candidate to lead the company as we keep on expanding across the East Africa region,” Ikpe concluded.

On her part, Muriithi expressed enthusiasm in taking up the new role within an innovative firm such as Autocheck.

“There are a lot of opportunities to tap into in Kenya and this is not just for Autochek. I am excited to be joining a team that strives to roll out solutions that will have an impact on the AfricaN region,” Bilhah said.

Prior to her appointment, Bilhah plied her trade at NCBA Bank where she served as a Business Manager tasked with running the bank’s Carduka platform, an online motor vehicle platform. She has similarly served as the Business Development Manager at Cheki Kenya.  

Launched in 2020, Autochek incorporates technology and data analytics to expand auto finance penetration across Africa. Driven by its residual value algorithm, Autochek is capable of pre-selecting customers eligible to receive loans and distribute them within a 48-hour window.