Matatu operator Super Metro has been granted a temporary reprieve, allowing it to resume operations after the Transport Licensing Appeals Board (TLAB) suspended a decision by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) that had halted its services.
In an order issued by TLAB Chairman Dr. Adrian Kamotho on Monday, March 24, the Board directed that the appeal be considered ex-parte initially and ordered NTSA to respond to the motion by Tuesday, March 25.
The directive effectively puts on hold NTSA’s suspension issued on March 18, granting Super Metro the right to operate as a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) provider until the case is heard on Thursday, March 27.
“That pending inter-partes hearing of the motion and the Memorandum of Appeal herein on Thursday, March 27, an interim order is hereby issued staying the execution/enforcement/operation of the decision of the respondent dated March 18, 2025 (NTSA/C/RT/010/2VOL. (1)), suspending the operations of the appellant herein, Super Metro Sacco Limited as a PSV operator. The appellant is at liberty to immediately resume operations in due compliance with the law,” the order stated.
Additionally, the court order directed that the ruling be served immediately upon the Inspector General of the National Police Service.
NTSA had suspended Super Metro’s operating license, citing non-compliance with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other stipulated conditions.
In a statement issued on March 20, NTSA indicated that the decision aimed to ensure the company adheres to safety standards to protect passengers and other road users.
“This is to notify the public that the Authority has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator license until the Company fully complies with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other set conditions,” the statement read in part.
The transport regulator ordered Super Metro to present 294 vehicles with various violations for compliance checks with speed limiter vendors. These vehicles were also required to undergo inspection at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre to obtain updated compliance reports.
Moreover, NTSA mandated that 42 drivers, identified among 109 who had speed violations, undergo retesting at the Likoni Driver Test Centre. The Authority revealed that 64 Super Metro drivers had previously failed a retest on March 10, leading to the suspension of their driving licenses.
Other directives included disengaging unqualified drivers, submitting employment contracts for all staff, proving compliance with Section 5(1)(e), and presenting six months’ records of payroll, PAYE, NSSF, and NHIF remittances. Additionally, Super Metro was instructed to conduct a road safety sensitization program for its drivers.
The final determination on Super Metro’s compliance and operational future will be made during the hearing scheduled for March 27.
