NTSA suspends Super Metro over operating license -

By Newsflash Reporter

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended the operator license of Super Metro Limited, one of Kenya’s most popular public transport service providers.

The suspension, which takes effect immediately, was necessitated by the company’s failure to comply with key Public Service Vehicle (PSV) regulations and road safety standards.

In a statement released on March 20, 2025, NTSA emphasized that the decision was made to protect the lives of passengers and other road users, following a comprehensive review of Super Metro’s operations.

Key compliance violations

Super Metro Limited, which operates a fleet of 523 vehicles, was found to be in breach of several provisions of the Traffic Act, the NTSA (Operation of Passenger Service Vehicles) Regulations, 2014, and other road safety requirements.

Some of the most critical violations identified by the Authority include:

Expired inspection certificates & road service licences
- 15 vehicles were found to have expired inspection certificates.
- 8 vehicles were operating with expired Road Service Licences (RSLs), posing a risk to passengers.
Failure to comply with speed limiter regulations
- 5 vehicles had expired speed limiter certificates.
- 88 vehicles were not transmitting speed data.
- 171 vehicles had no speed limiter records, meaning their speed could not be monitored.
- 109 vehicles were found exceeding the legal speed limit of 80km/h, increasing the risk of accidents.
Unqualified drivers
- A review of the company’s drivers revealed that many lacked the required driving qualifications, presenting a major safety risk.
- On March 10, 2025, 64 Super Metro drivers failed a retest, leading to the suspension of their driving licenses.
Violation of labour laws
- The company was found to be in breach of Section 5(1)(e) of the NTSA PSV regulations, which mandates PSV operators to comply with labour laws, including:
  - Statutory deductions such as PAYE, NSSF, and NHIF.
  - Workplace safety regulations and employment contracts for staff.

Conditions for lifting the suspension

For Super Metro Limited to have its license reinstated, the company must meet several conditions set by NTSA, including:

Ensure compliance of the 294 vehicles flagged for various violations by presenting them for checks at authorized speed limiter vendors and inspection centres.
Submit 42 drivers for a retest at the Likoni Driver Test Centre.
Disengage all unqualified drivers to improve passenger and road safety.
Provide signed employment contracts for all drivers and other staff, as well as proof of statutory deductions and remittances for the past six months.
Conduct mandatory road safety sensitization for all its drivers and submit a detailed report to NTSA, including photos, attendance registers, and session minutes.
Undergo a compliance audit by NTSA before being allowed to resume operations.

Public caution & enforcement measures

NTSA has cautioned passengers against boarding Super Metro vehicles while the suspension remains in effect. Law enforcement agencies, particularly the Traffic Department, have been instructed to impound any Super Metro vehicles found operating illegally.

The move is expected to send a strong message to PSV operators about the importance of adhering to traffic laws and ensuring passenger safety.

With thousands of commuters relying on Super Metro daily, the suspension raises serious concerns about the company’s future and the wider implications for Nairobi’s public transport system