SuperMetro Limited has issued a statement refuting the recent claims by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The statement reviewed by Pawonation.com.co.ke indicates that Super Metro characterized the accusations made by NTSA as obsolete and baseless subsequent to the revocation of its operating license.
The firm maintained that it had adhered completely to NTSA rules and has resolved all issues highlighted during the inquiry.
What was the reason for NTSA suspending Super Metro?
The conflict arose after NTSA released a statement accusing SuperMetro of several regulatory breaches. These included running buses with lapsed inspection certifications and road service licenses (RSLs), problems with their speed limiters, as well as drivers who did not pass recertification exams.
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the NTSA issued a statement accusing Super Metro of breaching numerous safety standards and labor laws. The violations included outdated inspection certifications for 15 buses, lapsed road service licenses for eight, invalid speed limiter approvals for five, and the lack of operational speed display indicators in 88 units.
Furthermore, 171 vehicles did not have speed limiter data, seven lacked vendor information, and 190 were recorded exceeding the lawful speed limit of 80 Kph.
The NTSA further claimed that Super Metro did not adhere to labor regulations by failing to enroll their staff in the payroll system, omitting mandatory deduction payments, and ignoring legal vacation entitlements as well as documented work agreements.
Super Metro's reaction to the accusations made by NTSA
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, Super Metro Limited issued a press release confirming their compliance with all NTSA regulations.
We maintain that the accusations are obsolete and baseless since we have adhered entirely to NTSA guidelines and have already resolved the issues highlighted in their probe.
"All inspection certifications and Road Service Licenses for the specified vehicles were updated ahead of their suspension. When problems related to speed limiters arose, we immediately contacted our suppliers, who resolved these issues across every impacted vehicle. These remedial measures were finalized long before the suspension took effect, guaranteeing complete adherence to NTSA regulations," stated Super Metro through an announcement made via the communications department.
The NTSA claimed that out of Super Metro’s drivers, 64 did not pass a retest held on March 10, 2025, resulting in the revocation of their licenses. Nonetheless, Super Metro maintained that these allegations do not accurately represent the company’s present operations.
"As mandated, the drivers in question completed the necessary retraining and retesting three weeks ago. Consequently, all impacted drivers have now received recertification and are fully qualified to handle our vehicles," the company said.
NTSA made further accusations against SuperMetro for breaching the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, specifically regarding labor practices and mandatory deductions. However, SuperMetro maintained strict compliance with all labor regulations, explicitly mentioning their adherence to Section 5(1)(e) of the aforementioned regulations.
"Super Metro has guaranteed adherence to regulations by obtaining signed agreements from both our drivers and employees, along with current documentation of PAYE, NSSF, and SHA contributions. This paperwork is ready for inspection by the NTSA, and we continue to prioritize the wellbeing of our team members," the company stated.
Super Metro asks NTSA to review their decision
SuperMetro Limited voiced their discontent with the choice to enforce an immediate suspension, arguing that it threatens the jobs of numerous employees and hampers crucial services for commuters.
"The choice to enforce an immediate suspension, even though we have been compliant from the start, is both unjust and detrimental to the numerous employees and their families who rely on Super Metro for sustenance," the statement said.
The firm mentioned that they are ready to work more closely with NTSA to address any lingering issues.
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