If you are a commuter in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) seeking to use Metro Trans for your daily commute in and out of the capital, you might have noticed the buses and matatus are not operating today, on Saturday, March 22.
This is after the Matatu operator announced a one-day suspension of their services to take effect on Saturday to train and sensitise their drivers, conductors, and staff.
This was communicated through a statement by Metro Trans on Thursday, March 20, with the company assuring their customers that normal services would resume on Sunday, March 23.
“Dear Customers and Stakeholders, to continue serving you better, we have scheduled a sensitisation program for our drivers, conductors, and staff on Saturday, 22nd March 2025. As a result, all our services will be suspended on this day,” the company stated.
“We will resume normal operations on Sunday, 23 March 2025. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your continued support. Thank you for your understanding,” the statement further added.
The timing of their service suspension came when another major player in the Matatu scene, Super Metro, is in turmoil after the suspension of their operating license by the National Transport and Safety Authority on Thursday, March 20.
The suspension was put in place until the company fully complied with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other set conditions. NTSA further cautioned members of the public against boarding vehicles belonging to the SACCO.
According to NTSA, it conducted a comprehensive analysis of Super Metro and found that out of its 523 vehicles, 15 had expired inspection certificates, and eight had expired Road Service Licences (RSL).
NTSA also found that several drivers from the SACCO do not meet the required qualifications, which presents a major safety risk.
Traffic police were also instructed to impound vehicles belonging to the company that are operating contrary to the suspension.
However, the suspension raised concerns after Super Metro Matatus was still seen operating in various areas of Nairobi and Thika Road. Kenyans took to social media to sound alarmed about the continued operation of the minibuses.
In particular, a Super Metro minibus full of passengers was spotted plying along the Thika Super Highway, while another was recorded en route to Mombasa Road.
Concurrently, the management of the company condemned the move to suspend their licence, stating that it was unfair and would cause massive losses. They accused NTSA of a blanket condemnation of the Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation or Society (SACCO).
The company’s troubles were said to have stemmed after an incident involving a tout who allegedly threw out a passenger from a fast-moving bus, resulting in the commuter dying on the spot. The crew involved in the incident was later suspended as per Super Metro.
Even so, despite their lamentations, Super Metro bowed down to the regulator’s demands and took over 250 of their vehicles to NTSA offices on Mombasa Road for inspection on Saturday, March 22.
