Daniel Ngari: The Kenyan Entrepreneur Running One of the Most Trustworthy Car Export Businesses in Japan
With extensive experience, Daniel Ngari has built one of the most trusted and expansive car export operations in Japan.
Since relocating to Tokyo over a decade ago, the Kenyan-born entrepreneur has sold more than 6,000 vehicles, supplying cars and machinery to buyers across Africa, especially in Tanzania and Kenya.
“Japan has taught me diligence,” Daniel says. “The small efforts you make every day eventually pay off.” It’s a principle that has guided him through 14 years of running Pesol Corporation, a Tokyo-based vehicle export business he co-founded with his Japanese wife.
Daniel’s path to entrepreneurship began in employment.
For over eight years, he worked for a Japanese car export company, managing markets in Kenya, Tanzania, and the Caribbean.
That experience gave him the industry knowledge and client base needed to strike out on his own.
The opportunity came when his wife received a posting in Japan in 2011, enabling them to set up Pesol Corporation and pioneer Japanese auto exports into East Africa.
Today, Pesol Corporation deals in both new and used cars, as well as heavy construction machinery like excavators and bulldozers.
“Our biggest market is Tanzania, followed by Kenya,” Daniel explains. “We’ve built strong relationships with both government agencies and private dealers.”
Much of Daniel’s business comes through referrals, a testament to the reputation he has built over the years.
“I mostly work with dealers like those you see on Kiambu Road but I also serve individuals, often through recommendations,” he says.
Trust and quality are the foundation of his operation.
Unlike other exporters, Pesol doesn’t hold large inventory. Instead, the company purchases vehicles directly from auctions in Japan based on a client’s specific needs and budget.
The process, from sourcing to shipping, typically takes about six weeks. This model allows Daniel to offer competitive prices while maintaining quality assurance.
To further protect clients, especially first-time buyers, Daniel educates them on how to verify legitimate Japanese exporters.
“Ask for the Hojin Bango—that’s the company registration number in Japan,” he advises. “Also, make sure the exporter’s website ends with ‘.jp’ or ‘.co.jp’. These small checks can help avoid scams.”
Prices vary depending on make, model, and destination. For instance, a Toyota Harrier might cost around Ksh 3.2 million in Kenya, not including taxes and import duties.
“Start by knowing your total budget,” Daniel recommends. “Then we can work backwards to find a suitable car, calculate freight, and advise on duties.”
While Pesol Corporation continues to grow, Daniel remains grounded in his original mission. The company name is an acronym People Enhancing Smiles of Others with Love, and the business is still very much a family affair.
His wife serves as the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder, and their partnership has been key to building trust with Japanese and African stakeholders alike.
Daniel’s journey from packaging designer to auto export mogul is one of perseverance, adaptability, and bold decisions.
Now, he hopes more Kenyans will consider tapping into underexplored markets like construction machinery and rare vehicle imports.
“We have to be willing to explore new paths,” he says. “There’s a lot of opportunity out here. You just need to be ready when it comes.”
