Super Metro ordered to terminate services of 269 drivers before resuming operations
The ruling, issued on Monday, April 14, follows investigations that identified the drivers as unfit and flagged multiple safety violations within the Sacco’s operations.
The Transport Licensing Appeals Board (TLAB) has directed Super Metro to immediately disengage 269 drivers as part of strict compliance measures before the public service vehicle (PSV) operator can resume services.
The ruling, issued on Monday, April 14, follows investigations that identified the drivers as unfit and flagged multiple safety violations within the Sacco’s operations.
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This decision forms part of eight major conditions that Super Metro is required to meet before being allowed back on the road.
The ruling came just as the Sacco had already suspended its services for three days to work on addressing compliance concerns.
In a statement, the Sacco confirmed it had taken steps in line with the board’s guidance.
“Following a hearing with the Transport Licensing Appeals Board today (Monday), the Board has directed Super Metro Limited to suspend operations for the next three days to finalise the remaining compliance measures,” the Sacco said.
Among the conditions laid out by the tribunal is the mandatory retesting of 42 drivers who were flagged for repeated cases of overspeeding. These drivers are to be tested again at the Likoni Driver Test Centre.
The move is meant to help weed out unsafe drivers and raise the bar for safety across Sacco’s operations.
Eight vehicles that had issues with speed limiters are also required to undergo a fresh inspection at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre.
In addition to those, another 31 vehicles, which were found to have compliance issues, are to be presented at the same facility. Inspection reports from these checks must be submitted to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The Sacco must also hand over records from its road safety sensitisation meetings, including attendance lists and minutes, to the NTSA Director of Road Safety.
This requirement is to confirm that proper safety education has been provided to drivers.
TLAB reinstated an earlier suspension first issued on March 18, making it clear that Super Metro’s operations would remain halted until full compliance is confirmed.
“The appellant shall forthwith cease operations pending further orders upon confirmation of compliance with the terms of the orders herein,” the tribunal stated.
The tribunal highlighted the seriousness of the matter, pointing out that a large number of drivers were not qualified, and others were involved in safety-related issues.
“Public safety is paramount,” TLAB Chairman Adrian Kamotho said as he stressed the need to enforce road safety rules and ensure drivers are properly vetted and trained.
Super Metro, on its part, stated that it had already fulfilled most of the earlier demands and remains optimistic about returning to service soon.
“Super Metro Limited fully respects the decisions of the TLAB and the court. 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 tribunal is expected to revisit the matter on April 17, when Super Metro’s compliance progress will be reviewed, and further instructions may be issued.
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