The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator licence, citing multiple violations of public transport regulations.
The suspension, announced on March 20, 2025, though a press release will remain in effect until the company meets all compliance requirements as per the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other set conditions
NTSA highlighted serious breaches, including expired inspection certificates, unqualified drivers, and failure to enforce speed limits.
“The decision was necessitated by the need to ensure the Company is not only compliant, but that it has put in place safety measures to protect the lives of its passengers and other road users,” read in part the statement from NTSA.
A comprehensive audit revealed that out of 523 vehicles, 15 had expired inspection certificates, while eight lacked valid Road Service Licences (RSL). Additionally, 109 vehicles were found operating beyond the speed limit of 80kph, with 171 lacking proper speed limiter records.
The agency also found that the driving credentials of some assigned drivers did not meet regulatory standards, posing a significant road safety risk.
To regain its licence, Super Metro must present nearly 300 vehicles for compliance inspection and ensure its drivers undergo retesting. NTSA further directed the company to disengage unqualified drivers, provide signed employment contracts for staff, and conduct road safety sensitisation.
A compliance audit will also be carried out before operations resume.
This development follows public outrage over the recent death of a passenger who was allegedly pushed out of a moving Super Metro bus by a conductor over a fare dispute. The tragic incident, which occurred along Thika Road, intensified scrutiny on public transport safety, prompting NTSA’s crackdown on the popular SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization).
NTSA has advised members of the public against boarding Super Metro vehicles following the suspension. Additionally, the traffic department has been directed to impound any of the company’s vehicles found operating contrary to the suspension.
Super Metro SACCO CEO, Nelson Nduki, on the other hand, has criticized NTSA’s decision to impose a blanket suspension on the entire company instead of targeting specific non-compliant vehicles.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with a local news outlet shortly after NTSA’s announcement, Nduki condemned the move as unfair, arguing that compliance issues should be addressed on a case-by-case basis rather than halting operations for the entire SACCO.
