The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended the operator license of Super Metro Limited, citing multiple compliance violations related to road safety, vehicle inspections, and driver qualifications. The announcement was made in a press release issued by NTSA on March 20, 2025, highlighting various regulatory breaches by the transport company.
NTSA’s Allegations
According to NTSA, Super Metro Limited failed to meet several safety and regulatory requirements outlined in the Traffic Act and the Public Service Vehicles (PSV) Regulations. Key concerns raised by the authority include:
- Out of 523 vehicles inspected, 15 had expired inspection certificates, and eight had expired Road Service Licenses (RSL).
- 294 vehicles had speed limiter violations, with some lacking speed data transmission and others operating beyond the 80kph limit.
- 64 out of 109 drivers failed a retest conducted on March 10, 2025, resulting in the suspension of their licenses.
- The company failed to provide proof that all assigned drivers met the required qualifications under the 2020 Driving Schools and Licensing Rules.
- Super Metro was found in violation of employment regulations that require PSV operators to comply with labor laws, including contracts, insurance, and staff benefits.
Conditions for License Reinstatement
NTSA has outlined several steps Super Metro must take before its operating license can be restored. These include:
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- Presenting all 294 vehicles for compliance inspection at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre.
- Retesting 42 drivers with recorded speed violations.
- Disengaging unqualified drivers to enhance passenger safety.
- Providing valid contracts and proof of compliance with labor laws for all employees.
- Conducting a Road Safety Sensitization program for all drivers and staff.
- Undergoing a Compliance Audit by NTSA.
The public has been cautioned against boarding Super Metro vehicles until the suspension is lifted, with traffic officers instructed to impound any vehicles operating in defiance of the directive.
Super Metro Responds
In a counterstatement, Super Metro Limited strongly refuted NTSA’s claims, asserting that they had already addressed the highlighted concerns before the suspension. The company defended its compliance record, arguing that:
- All expired inspection certificates and RSLs had been renewed prior to the suspension.
- Identified speed limiter issues were rectified before the NTSA’s action.
- The drivers in question had undergone training and licensing as per the 2020 Driving Schools and Licensing Rules.
- The company fully adheres to labor laws and statutory employment requirements.
Super Metro criticized the NTSA’s decision as “outdated and unfounded,” emphasizing that they remain committed to safety, reliability, and legal compliance. The transport company assured commuters that it is actively working to resolve the issue and resume normal operations soon.
Public Reaction and Industry Implications
The suspension of Super Metro’s license has sparked mixed reactions among the public and stakeholders in the transport sector. While some passengers expressed concern over safety violations, others defended the matatu company, known for its orderliness and efficiency compared to other operators.
Transport analysts warn that this move could disrupt commuter services in Nairobi, where Super Metro serves thousands of passengers daily. The resolution of this standoff will likely set a precedent for compliance enforcement among other PSV operators.
As the situation unfolds, Super Metro will need to meet NTSA’s stringent requirements before it can get back on the roads. Whether the company’s appeal will result in a reconsideration of the decision remains to be seen.