SuperMetro Sacco operators have suffered a major setback after the Transport Licensing Appeals Board declined to lift the suspension of their operations.

In a ruling delivered by the tribunal chaired by Adrian Kamotho, the board rejected a plea by SuperMetro Sacco to lift the suspension, stating that the Sacco must first comply with all National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) regulations before resuming operations.

“That in the interim, pending compliance with the National Transport and Safety Authority’s directive dated 18 March 2025, the suspension of SuperMetro Sacco Limited’s operations is hereby reinstated,” reads the tribunal’s order.

The decision followed a hearing in which the tribunal noted that 269 SuperMetro drivers were unqualified, while 42 others had been flagged for overspeeding violations.

As a result, the tribunal ordered all affected drivers to be presented at the Likoni Driver Testing Centre for retesting. Additionally, the Sacco must present 31 vehicles, identified with compliance inspection issues, to the designated inspection centre.

“The appellant (SuperMetro) shall immediately present 31 vehicles with identified compliance inspection issues at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre and submit compliance reports thereafter to the NTSA’s Directorate of Safety,” the tribunal ordered.

Further, the Kamotho-led tribunal directed that the 42 drivers flagged for overspeeding violations be immediately presented for retesting at the Likoni Driver Testing Centre.

The Sacco was also ordered to immediately disengage the 269 drivers listed in a report submitted to the tribunal by NTSA on 10 April 2025.

“The Sacco shall immediately furnish the minutes and attendance list of road safety sensitisation sessions held for all its drivers to the NTSA’s Directorate of Safety,” Kamotho added.

The tribunal also ordered that these directives be served upon Inspector General Douglas Kanja for further action and enforcement.

The case is scheduled for mention on 17 April 2025 to confirm whether the Sacco has complied with all orders.

Speaking on the matter, Tribunal Chairman Adrian Kamotho emphasised that SuperMetro must ensure all its drivers meet stringent safety and qualification standards before the suspension can be lifted.

“Public safety is paramount,” Kamotho said, stressing the need for adherence to speed limits and prompt corrective measures.

He further noted that SuperMetro had failed to provide evidence that its drivers had undergone proper training in road safety, customer service, and respectful interaction with other road users.

The tribunal maintained that the suspension would remain in place until SuperMetro provides verifiable proof of compliance with all outlined directives.