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Super Metro ordered to suspend operations, fire 269 drivers, re-test 42 others
Super Metro buses parked along Maragua Lane in Nairobi CBD on March 21, 2025 following the NTSA licence suspension.
Public transport firm Super Metro has been ordered to suspend its operations, for at least three days, pending compliance with a raft of measures given by a tribunal.
In an order given on April 14, the Transport and Licensing appeals board directed the company to disengage 269 drivers identified in a list submitted to the board.
The company was also directed to drive eight vehicles identified for various offences, including violating speed limit, for compliance check at the Likoni motor vehicle inspection centre.
National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) had suspended the operations of the firm on March 18, for failing to comply with safety measures.
The firm, however, challenged the transport regulator’s decision and the suspension was temporarily lifted by the tribunal.
On Monday, the tribunal further directed the company to take 31 other minibuses to the same centre for inspection and submission of compliance reports to the Directorate of Safety.
“That in the interim, pending compliance of orders 1 to 5, the respondent’s (NTSA’s) directive (NTSA/C/RT/010/2VOL(1) dated 18th March, 2025, suspending the operations of the appellant is hereby reinstated. The appellant shall forthwith cease operations pending further orders upon confirmation of compliance with the terms of the orders herein,” the order by the tribunal chaired by Dr Adrian Kamotho stated.
The case will be mentioned on April 17 to confirm compliance and issuance of further directions.
Speed limit violation
Other measures to be complied by the company before resuming operations is for its 42 drivers accused of violating speed limits to be presented for retest at the Likoni driver test centre.
“The appellant shall immediately furnish the minutes and the attendance of Road Safety Sensitisation of all its drivers to the Director of Road Safety,” the order stated.
The industry regulator had suspended Super Metro’s license to ensure the company “complied and puts in place safety measures to protect lives of passengers and other roads users”.
The firm challenged the move alleging that NTSA also did not give it a hearing or chance to deliberate before reaching the decision or deciding to suspend its license.
According to the company, the decision by NTSA was based on extraneous material or evidence and the bus company was not given chance to refute the claims in contravention of the principles of natural justice.
“That there is no legitimate reason to revoke the license/authority of the Applicants as they have complied with all relevant provisions of law as required by the 1st Respondent (NTSA) and any attempt or action to suspend the licences have been occasioned by extraneous factors,” the company submitted.
The firm added that the revocation was unreasonable, irrational and manifestly unfair and it was bound to cause irreparable damage to the company.
