Live update: Senators discuss governors snubbing summons
Premium
Super Metro back on the road after suspension lifted
A matatu registered with the Super Metro Limited Sacco on Thika Superhighway on March 20, 2025.
Super Metro has resumed passenger services three days after the sacco was ordered to comply with a series of proposals, including the sacking of more than 200 drivers.
While lifting the suspension on Thursday, the Transport Licensing Appeals Board Tribunal ordered the transport regulator to come up with a list of other areas the matatu sacco must comply with.
The public transport sacco was ordered by the tribunal on Monday to cease operations until it complies with the measures it was given.
“That the order issued on April 14, 2025 suspending the appellant’s (Super Metro) operations is hereby vacated. The appellant shall be at liberty to immediately resume operations in due compliance with the law,” said the tribunal chaired by Adrian Kamotho.
Dr Kamotho directed that the order be served on Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja. Other members of the tribunal are Hillary Songoyo, Benson Gichohi and Jackline Omiti.
The parties will appear before the tribunal on May 2 for a hearing on other issues relating to the sacco's operations.
On Monday, the tribunal ordered the firm to dismiss 269 drivers identified in a list submitted to the board.
The company was also directed to take eight vehicles identified for various offences, including speeding, to the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre for compliance checks.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) had suspended the sacco's operations on March 18 for failing to comply with safety measures.
The sacco challenged the transport regulator's decision and the suspension was temporarily lifted by the court.
Super Metro had also been ordered to re-test 42 drivers accused of speeding.
The industry regulator had suspended Super Metro's licence to ensure that the company “complied and puts in place safety measures to protect lives of passengers and other roads users”.
But Super Metro challenged the move, claiming that the NTSA had also failed to give it a hearing or an opportunity to deliberate before making the decision or deciding to suspend its licence.
According to the firm, the NTSA's decision was based on extraneous material or evidence and the bus company was not given an opportunity to rebut the allegations, contrary to the principles of natural justice.
