Super Metro Ordered To Suspend Operations

Super Metro Limited has been directed by the Transport Licensing Appeals Board (TLAB) to suspend its operations for the next three days.

The Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) confirmed in a statement on Monday, April 14, after revealing that it had reached 90 percent compliance with the directives issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Transport Licensing Appeals Board (TLAB).

Despite the progress, the company will temporarily halt operations for three days to fully implement the remaining requirements set by both NTSA and TLAB.

"Super Metro Limited wishes to inform the public and our valued customers that we have achieved 90% compliance with the directives issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Transport Licensing Appeals Board (TLAB). We remain committed to fully adhering to all regulatory requirements to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our passengers.

"Following a hearing with the Transport Licensing Appeals Board today, the Board has directed Super Metro Limited to suspend operations for the next three days to finalize the remaining compliance measures," the statement read.

Super Metro reacted to the directive by stating that it fully respects the decisions of the TLAB and the court, adding, "We are working diligently to address the outstanding compliance issues within the stipulated timeframe and will resume operations as soon as we receive approval from the relevant authorities."

The matatu company offered its sincere apologies for any inconvenience the temporary suspension is expected to cause to its customers and stakeholders.

The suspension is likely to cause temporary havoc in the public transport sector as thousands of its customers who rely on the SACCO to commute to their places of work from their residences in the Nairobi Metropolitan will be hit hard, especially during rush hour.

"Super Metro Limited remains dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transport services, and we appreciate your understanding and support during this period," added the statement.

Super Metro was initially allowed to resume operations after TLAB temporarily suspended a decision by the NTSA that had revoked its operating license.

In a directive issued on Monday, March 24, by TLAB Chairman Dr. Adrian Kamotho, the Board ruled that the appeal would initially be considered ex parte and instructed the NTSA to submit its response by Tuesday, March 25.

On Thursday, March 27, TLAB extended the orders that lifted the suspension after NTSA asked for more time to file their responses, and directed that the matter be mentioned on April 7, 2024, allowing Super Metro to continue with its day-to-day operations.

The tribunal's decision followed a complaint filed by Super Metro on Friday, March 21, challenging NTSA’s suspension, which the company described as arbitrary and unfair.

The Sacco contended that it had made significant investments to comply with regulatory requirements and argued that NTSA’s suspension would have severely disrupted its operations, affecting thousands of livelihoods. In its appeal, the Sacco also maintained that the suspension was founded on speculation and lacked a thorough investigation.

NTSA announced on Thursday, March 20, the suspension of Super Metro, stating it would be in force until the company meets all requirements outlined in the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, along with other stipulated conditions.

NTSA also warned the public against using vehicles affiliated with the SACCO. "This is to notify the Public that the Authority has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator licence until the Company fully complies with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014 and other set conditions," the notice read in part.