Super Metro commuter bus company has recently been under scrutiny in Kenya following allegations of passenger mistreatment by some of its drivers and conductors. In response, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) temporarily suspended the company’s operations. However, Super Metro appealed the decision, arguing that the suspension was unfair and unwarranted.
Super Metro’s Growth and Establishment in Kenya
Despite recent controversies, Super Metro has played a crucial role in Kenya’s transport sector for over a decade. Since its inception in 2013, the company has expanded significantly, amassing a fleet of approximately 500 buses operating within Nairobi and its surrounding areas.
The Ownership and Vision Behind Super Metro
Super Metro Limited was founded by businessman Nelson Mwangi Nduki alongside 13 associates. Mwangi, who serves as both chairman and CEO, established the company with a vision to transform public transport in Kenya. He implemented strict hiring requirements for drivers, ensuring they undergo rigorous interviews before being employed.
“Most drivers consider Super Metro a school because of the rules and regulations. We don’t just handpick them; they must meet all the necessary criteria,” Mwangi stated in a past interview.
Twelve years since its establishment, Super Metro has become a household name, extending its services to areas such as Thika and Kitengela. In recognition of his dedication and leadership, Nelson Mwangi was named one of the top winners in the Tuko Business Leaders Awards in 2024.
Employment and Economic Impact
By 2025, Super Metro had created job opportunities for over 200 support staff and nearly 2,000 drivers and conductors. The company’s growth has contributed significantly to Kenya’s transport industry, providing reliable and professional commuter services.
Nelson Mwangi’s Journey to Success
Nelson Mwangi’s rise to success was far from easy. Born into a financially struggling family, he was forced to drop out of school due to his parents’ inability to afford university fees. Growing up in the remote areas of the Mt. Kenya region, he later moved to Nairobi in search of better opportunities.
His early years in the capital were filled with hardships. After failing to secure formal employment, he resorted to roasting maize near the Makadara Law Courts to earn a living.
“Moving to Nairobi in search of a job was tough. At one point, I had to roast maize to survive,” he recalled in an interview.
Eventually, Mwangi secured a job as a lift attendant at a restaurant in Nairobi. His dedication and hard work saw him rise to the position of operations manager. Saving diligently from his earnings, he later ventured into the transport business by purchasing several matatus. This initial investment laid the foundation for the establishment of Super Metro, which he co-founded with his 13 friends.
Super Metro’s journey has been marked by both achievements and challenges. Under Nelson Mwangi’s leadership, the company has revolutionized public transport in Kenya while providing employment opportunities to thousands. Despite recent setbacks, Super Metro remains one of the most recognized commuter bus companies in the country, with a strong presence in Nairobi and beyond.
