The Transport Licensing Appeals Board on Monday, March 24, 2025, issued an interim order allowing Super Metro Sacco to resume operations after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) suspended its fleet of public service vehicles (PSVs).
The ruling came after Super Metro Sacco filed an urgent appeal challenging NTSA’s decision to halt their services on March 18, 2025.
The suspension had caused significant disruption to thousands of daily commuters relying on the popular transport service in Nairobi and its environs.
In a decision signed by Adrian Kamotho, the chairman of the Transport Licensing Appeals Board, the tribunal certified the matter as urgent and granted a stay of NTSA’s suspension order pending a full hearing scheduled for March 27, 2025.
“Pending inter-partes hearing of the Motion and the Memorandum of Appeal herein on Thursday, 27 March 2025, an interim order is hereby issued staying the execution/enforcement/operation of the decision of the Respondent dated 18 March 2025… The appellant is at liberty to immediately resume operations in due compliance with the law,” the ruling stated.
Super Metro Sacco, represented by Peter Mu Kuria, had argued that NTSA’s decision to suspend its operating license was arbitrary and had failed to consider the impact on commuters and the company’s employees.
The Sacco sought urgent intervention to prevent further financial losses and public inconvenience.
The board has directed NTSA to file its response by the close of business on March 25, 2025, while Super Metro Sacco is allowed to submit supplementary affidavits by March 26, 2025.
Both parties will present their arguments on March 27, 2025, at 2:30 pm.
The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of the public transport sector, where regulatory crackdowns have sparked tensions between operators and the transport authority.
Industry observers are watching closely as the case proceeds, given its potential implications for the governance of public transport in the country.
Super Metro Sacco is one of the most prominent matatu operators in Nairobi, known for its reliability and customer service.
The suspension caused anxiety among commuters who depend on its fleet for daily transportation.
The Transport Licensing Appeals Board also ordered that a copy of the ruling be served to the Inspector General of the National Police Service to ensure compliance with the directive allowing Super Metro Sacco to resume operations.
The hearing on Thursday will determine whether the suspension will be permanently lifted or if NTSA’s action will be upheld.
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