Super Metro has responded after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) suspended its operating license.
In a statement on Thursday, March 20, the company refuted claims made by the regulator, arguing that it has remained fully compliant with its regulations and addressed all concerns raised during investigations.
"SuperMetro Limited strongly refutes the claims made by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in their press release dated March 20, 2025, regarding the suspension of our operator license.
"We assert that the allegations are outdated and unfounded, as we have been fully compliant with NTSA regulations and have already addressed concerns raised in their investigation," the statement read.
The company went ahead to respond to three issues raised by NTSA, including compliance with the Traffic Act and NTSA regulations.
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"NTSA claims that out of 294 vehicles, five had expired inspection certificates, fifteen had expired Road Service Licenses (RSL), and several vehicles had issues with speed limiters. We confirm that all inspection certificates and Road Service Licenses for the mentioned vehicles were renewed prior to the suspension.
"Additionally, upon identifying issues with speed limiters, we promptly reached out to our vendors, who rectified the problem across all affected vehicles. These corrective actions were completed well before the suspension, ensuring full compliance with NTSA standards," the statement added.
On driver training and qualifications, Super Metro clarified that their drivers had already undergone the necessary retesting and retraining before the suspension was announced.
"NTSA alleges that 64 of our drivers failed a retest on March 10, 2025, leading to the suspension of their licenses. We wish to clarify that the drivers in question underwent the required retraining and retesting three weeks ago, as mandated.
"All affected drivers have since been recertified and are fully qualified to operate our vehicles, in line with the Traffic (Driving Schools, Driving Instructors, and Driving Licenses) Rules, 2020. The claim that our drivers do not meet required qualifications is therefore outdated and does not reflect our current operational status," the statement further read.
Regarding compliance with public service vehicle regulations, the company maintained that it has adhered to all labor laws and financial obligations for its workforce.
"NTSA references violations of the Public Service Vehicles Regulations including labor and statutory deductions. We have ensured compliance with all labor laws, including Section 5(1)(e) of the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, by providing signed contracts for our drivers and staff, as well as up-to-date records of PAYE, NSSF, and SHF remittances. These records are available for NTSA’s review, and we remain committed to the welfare of our workforce," the statement read.
Super Metro further expressed frustration over the suspension, warning that the decision not only affects its employees but also threatens the stability of the transport sector.
"SuperMetro Limited has been working diligently with NTSA throughout their investigation, providing all requested documentation and taking immediate action to address any identified issues. The decision to impose a summary suspension, despite our proactive compliance, is not only unfair but also prejudicial to the thousands of employees and their families who depend on SuperMetro for their livelihoods.
"As a major employer in Kenya’s transport sector, this blanket ban threatens the economic stability of our workforce and disrupts essential services for our passengers," the statement added.
The company urged NTSA to reconsider its decision and reopen discussions to resolve the matter.
"We urge NTSA to review the updated status of our compliance efforts and reconsider this suspension. SuperMetro remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability, and we are prepared to collaborate further to address any concerns," the statement concluded.
While announcing the suspension, NTSA said the decision was necessitated by the need to ensure the company is compliant and has put in place safety measures to protect the lives of its 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 decision was necessitated by the need to ensure the Company is not only compliant, but that it has put in place safety measures to protect the lives of its passengers and other road users,” NTSA said.
