Super Metro’s fleet of matatus is back on the road pending the determination of an appeal by the company, which is scheduled for Thursday.
The Monday development follows a ruling by the Transport Licensing Appeals Board, which temporarily lifted the suspension of the company’s operating license imposed by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Last Thursday, NTSA flagged the vehicles for non-compliance with transport regulations. This action followed public outcry after a tragic incident in which a passenger died after allegedly being thrown out of a moving minibus belonging to the Sacco.
The Sacco immediately filed an appeal with the Board in Nairobi, challenging the Authority’s decision and terming the move as arbitrary and unjust.
The board chair Adrian Kamotho, has directed both parties to file supplementary affidavits or any further documents by the close of business on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.
“Pending the inter-partes hearing of the Motion and the Memorandum of Appeal on Thursday, 27th March 2025, an interim order is hereby issued suspending the execution, enforcement, and operation of the decision made by the Respondent on 18th March 2025 (NTSA/C/RT/010/2VOL),” read part of the ruling by TLAB.
“The suspension of the appellant, Super Metro Sacco Limited, as a PSV operator is hereby lifted. The appellant is at liberty to immediately resume operations in full compliance with the law.” He stated
In a statement issued last Thursday, NTSA cautioned members of the public against boarding vehicles belonging to Super Metro Limited.
A detailed inspection of the company’s fleet and operations revealed multiple breaches of traffic and safety regulations. Out of 523 vehicles, 15 had expired inspection certificates, while eight had expired Road Service Licenses (RSL).
A speed limit compliance analysis showed that 294 vehicles had violations, with 109 exceeding the 80 km/h limit.
“The Company was also in violation of the provisions of the NTSA (Operation of Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 2014, Section 5, sub-section 1(e) which states: A person desirous of operating public service vehicles shall be a member of a body corporate which shall comply with labour laws and regulations including in respect to statutory deductions, health and safety of the workplace, Work Injuries Benefits Act (Cap. 236) insurance, statutory leave days and written contracts of employment for staff,” NTSA stated.
NTSA has now directed Super Metro to present the 294 flagged vehicles to respective speed limiter vendors for compliance checks and undergo inspection at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre.
Additionally, 42 drivers cited for speed violations must undergo retesting at the Likoni Driver Test Centre.
This follows a test conducted on March 10, in which 64 Super Metro drivers failed, leading to license suspensions.
Read article: NTSA suspends Super Metro license over non-compliance
