Once Nairobi’s most loved matatu Sacco, Super Metro was the gold standard of public transport. But today, complaints are rising.

A Legacy of Excellence

Super Metro, a matatu Sacco (Savings and Credit Cooperative) in Nairobi, was co-founded by Nelson Mwangi and other directors in 2013.

It quickly became the perfect alternative to Nairobi’s chaotic matatus, earning a loyal commuter base through:

• Respectful, disciplined crew
• Fixed, transparent fares
• Clean, comfortable buses
• Safe, rule-abiding driving

These principles made Super Metro the preferred choice for many Nairobians seeking safe and reliable public transportation.

Signs of Trouble

In April 2023, Super Metro responded to rising passenger complaints by banning loud music across its fleet, aiming to enhance commuter comfort.

This move, though well-intentioned, hinted at underlying service inconsistencies.

By 2025, however, cracks in the once-praised service began to show.

The Fatal Incident and Public Outcry

In March 2025, a tragic incident cast a shadow over Super Metro’s reputation.

Gilbert Thuku Kimani, a passenger, allegedly died after being pushed from a moving bus over a Ksh 30 fare dispute.

Reports indicated that Kimani had only Ksh50 while the fare from Wendani to the city center was Ksh80.

A senior Super Metro driver, however, claimed that Kimani jumped from the bus himself.

The incident sparked public outrage, raising questions about crew training and passenger relations.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) swiftly responded by suspending Super Metro’s operating license.

Regulatory Crackdown

Following the suspension, the NTSA conducted inspections on 523 Super Metro vehicles, uncovering multiple serious violations, including:

• Expired inspection certificates
• Invalid road service licenses
• Outdated speed governor certificates
• Failure to transmit speed data
• Missing speed limiter records

These infractions were not minor administrative oversights but critical safety failures that jeopardized passenger lives.

Further investigations revealed that many Super Metro drivers lacked required qualifications. This placed both passengers and other road users at grave risk.

Defiance and Consequences

Despite the NTSA suspension, Super Metro defied the authority and continued to operate throughout Nairobi.

This act of defiance prompted the NTSA to ground most of the company’s fleet and intensify enforcement measures.

Additionally, allegations surfaced that the company had violated labor laws by failing to make statutory deductions, including PAYE, NSSF, and health insurance payments.

It was also reported that Super Metro did not provide proper employment contracts to its workers.

The End of an Era

Super Metro’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale of how lapses in safety, regulatory compliance, and ethical labor practices can dismantle even the most revered organizations.

What was once Nairobi’s gold standard for public transport now stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of cutting corners.

With its fleet grounded and its reputation in tatters, the future of Super Metro remains uncertain as commuters seek safer, more reliable alternatives.

Meanwhile, the NTSA’s decisive action underscores the importance of upholding safety standards and the rule of law in Kenya’s public transport sector.