Nairobi, Kenya – The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended Super Metro’s operating license, citing multiple safety violations and demanding full compliance before the company can resume operations.
The move comes just weeks after a tragic incident in which a passenger, Gilbert Thuo Kimani, was allegedly thrown out of a moving Super Metro vehicle along Thika Road over a fare dispute.
The incident sparked public outrage and led to increased scrutiny of the company’s operations.
According to NTSA, Super Metro must meet a set of strict conditions before it can return to the roads.
The company has been ordered to present 294 vehicles for compliance inspections at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre, ensuring all speed limiters and safety features are functional.
Additionally, 42 drivers with a history of speed violations must undergo retesting, with NTSA noting that 64 Super Metro drivers had already failed a previous test on March 10, leading to the suspension of their licenses.
The company has also been directed to immediately disengage unqualified drivers, provide proof of employment contracts, payroll records, and statutory remittances for its staff, and conduct mandatory road safety sensitization for all drivers under NTSA supervision.
To enforce the suspension, traffic police have been instructed to impound any Super Metro vehicles found operating in violation of the directive.
NTSA has also warned commuters against boarding the company’s vehicles until it is fully compliant.
Super Metro, which has enjoyed a strong reputation over its 12 years in operation, is now under intense public pressure.
Beyond the recent tragedy, commuters have raised concerns about overloading, reckless driving, rude crew members, and long wait times.
While the company previously expressed regret over Kimani’s death and suspended the crew involved, its fate now depends on its ability to meet NTSA’s conditions and restore public trust.
