Tech firms move to simplify Kenya’s vehicle import trade

Shekel Mobility, the technology firm powering Cars Kenya, is seeking to simplify vehicle imports by integrating international sourcing, payments, shipping and local financing in a single process.

The company is targeting 1,000 imported vehicles monthly through a partnership between Cars Kenya and Absa Bank Kenya aimed at connecting international vehicle suppliers with Kenyan buyers.

The partnership, formalised through a memorandum of understanding, seeks to address the complexity of importing vehicles, which involves multiple stages, including sourcing, international payments, shipping, customs clearance and registration.

Under the arrangement, Cars Kenya will handle vehicle sourcing and import coordination, while Shekel Mobility provides the technology and cross-border trade infrastructure supporting transactions.

Absa Bank Kenya will assess eligible customers for asset financing after vehicle registration, subject to credit approval and disbursement conditions.

Cars Kenya Managing Director Sammy Wanjema said the initiative would make the vehicle acquisition process more convenient by connecting previously fragmented services.

“Importing a vehicle should be an exciting step towards ownership, not a confusing journey through disconnected processes,” he said.

Shekel's platform integrates four core functions including finding, paying for, shipping and selling vehicles, with sourcing expertise in Japan, a major market for vehicles imported into Kenya.

The company hopes the integrated model will improve coordination between international suppliers, local dealers, buyers and financial institutions, potentially making cross-border vehicle trade more efficient.

Shekel said its experience in Nigeria, where it has processed more than $290 million in transactions for over 1,000 dealers, provides a foundation for expanding its operations in Kenya.

The company is backed by Y Combinator, MaC Venture Capital and Ventures Platform and aims to scale its automotive trade technology across African markets.