NAIROBI, Kenya— After a heated back-and-forth with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), commuter bus giant Super Metro has finally caved.
A day after protesting the suspension of its operations, the company has lined up its fleet for inspection, signaling a reluctant compliance with the regulator’s demands.
The U-Turn: Super Metro Begins Compliance
In what seemed like an overnight shift in stance, Super Metro’s minibuses were spotted queueing at the NTSA Inspection Centre along Likoni Road, Nairobi.
A video obtained by ynews.digital captured the moment, showing buses lined up for regulatory checks—a stark contrast to the company’s earlier defiance.
Meanwhile, separate footage surfaced showing several of the company’s vehicles grounded in Juja and parked at Kitengela Bus Park, a move that suggested a strategic pause rather than outright defiance.
The abrupt turn follows mounting pressure from the public, with many criticizing Super Metro for allegedly operating despite NTSA’s suspension.
Super Metro buses are currently being inspected at the NTSA inspection center on Likoni Road, Nairobi.
Super Metro’s Defense: ‘This Ban is Unfair’
Despite complying with the inspection order, Super Metro bosses aren’t backing down on their position. On Thursday, March 20, company executives pushed back against NTSA’s decision, calling it “unfair and prejudicial.”
“The decision to impose a summary suspension despite our proactive compliance is not only unfair but also prejudicial to the thousands of employees and their families who depend on Super Metro for their livelihoods,” the company said in a statement.
Super Metro further argued that the allegations against them were outdated and misleading, insisting they had already addressed all regulatory concerns.
“As a major employer in Kenya’s transport sector, this blanket ban threatens the economic stability of our workforce and disrupts essential services for our passengers,” they added.
Why NTSA Pulled the Plug on Super Metro
NTSA had earlier announced the suspension of Super Metro’s operator license, citing non-compliance with Public Service Vehicle (PSV) regulations.
In its statement, the authority doubled down on its decision, warning passengers against boarding Super Metro vehicles and directing traffic police to impound any found on the roads.
“The suspension was necessitated by the need to ensure the company fully complies with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014 and implements safety measures to protect passengers,” NTSA declared.
While the regulator insists the move was about passenger safety, Super Metro’s quick shift to compliance suggests the company is eager to resolve the standoff and get back on the road.
With its fleet now undergoing inspection, Super Metro is clearly working toward reinstatement. The question remains: Will NTSA reinstate their license soon, or is a prolonged battle looming?
