Tokyo-headquartered WASSHA Inc. has acquired Zaribee, a Kenyan mobility fintech startup, for an undisclosed sum. The deal, which closed on January 1, 2026, marks a significant consolidation in East Africa’s “asset-as-a-service” sector, merging solar energy distribution with motorcycle financing.
Zaribee, formerly known as Unchorlight Kenya, specializes in a rent-to-own model for motorcycle taxi (boda boda) riders. The acquisition allows WASSHA, which already operates a sprawling network of solar kiosks across Sub-Saharan Africa, to integrate mobility assets into its existing Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) platform.
The Rent-to-Own Engine
Since its launch in 2021, Zaribee has addressed a chronic gap in the Kenyan transport sector: the high cost of entry for riders who lack formal credit histories.
Under the leadership of CEO Renji Morita, a former buyer for Nissan Motor Corporation, the company developed a structured payment system where riders pay off their motorcycles — typically over 18 months — through digital daily installments.
Key Zaribee Performance Indicators (as of 2026):
- 5,000+ Motorcycles delivered to date.
- 2,000+ Riders have successfully completed payments and taken full ownership.
- 300% Revenue growth reported in the 2024 fiscal year.
“Our focus remains on building a business that riders can rely on over the long term,” Morita stated. “By strengthening our organizational base, we are better positioned to scale our operations responsibly while staying close to the realities of our customers.”
Strategic Synergies: Light and Wheels
At first glance, a solar lantern rental company acquiring a motorcycle financier might seem disparate. However, the logic lies in distribution and credit infrastructure.
WASSHA operates over 6,000 outlets across five countries, reaching over a million people. These kiosks serve as physical touchpoints in off-grid communities — perfect hubs for managing a fleet of motorcycles or providing battery-swapping stations as the market shifts toward electric vehicles (EVs).
Both companies rely on a similar core competency: last-mile asset management. WASSHA manages the life cycle of LED lanterns; Zaribee manages the life cycle of motorcycles. By combining their data on customer payment behaviors, the group can refine its credit-scoring models for low-income gig workers.
The “Japan-Africa” Corridor
The deal highlights the deepening ties between Japanese corporate capital and African tech. Zaribee was initially backed by a KES 90m ($743k) seed round in 2022 from Honda Trading Corporation and Skylight Consulting.
This acquisition is part of a broader trend where Japanese firms are moving beyond traditional aid into venture-led investment.
- Mobility 54: The CVC arm of Toyota Tsusho has backed competitors like Tugende and Moove.
- Uncovered Fund: The Japanese VC (which counts Morita as an alumnus) recently launched a $20m fund with Monex Ventures to bridge the gap between Tokyo and African startups.
With Honda Motor Company previously announcing plans to introduce 10 or more electric motorcycle models by 2025, the acquisition of Zaribee provides a ready-made financing and distribution channel for these new assets in the Kenyan market.
What’s Next for Zaribee?
While the company will remain based in Nairobi and continue its local operations, the integration into WASSHA Group signals an aggressive expansion. Zaribee is expected to leverage WASSHA’s presence in markets like Tanzania, Uganda, and Mozambique.
The next frontier is likely the EV transition. With the Kenyan government pushing for the electrification of the boda boda sector and the arrival of players like Roam and Ampersand, Zaribee’s financing expertise will be critical in managing the higher upfront costs of electric bikes.