Nairobi, Kenya – The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended the operating licence of Super Metro Limited, citing widespread non-compliance with Public Service Vehicle (PSV) regulations and road safety requirements.
In a statement issued on March 20, 2025, NTSA said the decision was aimed at ensuring the company adheres to safety standards to protect passengers and other road users.
Major Compliance Failures
An inspection of Super Metro’s fleet revealed multiple regulatory breaches, including expired vehicle inspection certificates, non-functional speed limiters, unqualified drivers, and non-compliance with labour laws.
According to NTSA:
- Fifteen (15) vehicles were operating with expired inspection certificates, while eight (8) vehicles had expired Road Service Licences.
- 294 vehicles were flagged for various speed limiter violations, with 109 found exceeding the 80kph limit.
- 171 vehicles lacked proper speed limiter records, and 88 were not transmitting speed data as required.
- Unqualified drivers were assigned to Super Metro’s fleet, presenting a major road safety risk.
- The company failed to comply with labour laws, including statutory deductions, insurance coverage, and employment contracts for its staff.
Conditions for Reinstatement
For the suspension to be lifted, Super Metro must:
- Ensure all flagged vehicles meet speed limiter regulations through vendor compliance checks.
- Submit all non-compliant vehicles for fresh inspections at Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre.
- Retest 42 drivers with a history of traffic violations at the Likoni Driver Test Centre.
- Terminate unqualified drivers to enhance road safety.
- Provide employment contracts and proof of statutory deductions for its workforce.
- Conduct road safety training for all its drivers and submit detailed reports to NTSA.
NTSA further stated that a compliance audit will be conducted to ensure Super Metro meets all the requirements before its licence is reinstated.
Super Metro is one of Nairobi’s most popular PSV operators, known for its high service standards and customer-friendly policies.
NTSA ALERT: SUSPENSION OF SUPER METRO LIMITED OPERATOR LICENCEThis is to notify the Public that the Authority has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator licence until the Company fully complies with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014 and other set conditions.
The crackdown on Super Metro comes barely weeks after the company faced public outrage over the death of Gilbert Thuo Kimani, who was allegedly thrown out of a moving bus by a tout.
Kimani had reportedly paid Sh50 instead of the Sh80 fare demanded by the conductor.
The altercation, which occurred near Kahawa Wendani on Thika Road, led to his tragic death and sparked calls for stricter oversight of the transport company.
Following the incident, Super Metro suspended the crew involved and expressed regret over the loss of life.
However, the controversy fueled boycott calls from Nairobi commuters, with many accusing the company of tolerating reckless driving, misconduct, and poor service delivery.
NTSA has warned the public against boarding Super Metro vehicles until the company meets the compliance requirements.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have been directed to impound any of its vehicles found operating in defiance of the suspension.
The fate of one of Nairobi’s most popular matatu operators now hangs in the balance as Super Metro scrambles to meet NTSA’s conditions.
