This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
Published on May 21, 2020, the NTSA has given the green light to SWVL's operations in Kenya, bringing an end to a lengthy legal battle over the company's licenses.
SWVL's General Manager for Kenya, Dip Patel, expressed his satisfaction with the resolution, stating, "We are pleased that we have resolved all issues with the NTSA, and that's extremely important for us." He added, "We have continued to engage with the NTSA to arrive at a framework that will support technology-enabled transport solutions and take Kenya to the next level."
SWVL had suspended its operations in November last year due to NTSA regulations, which deemed the company's use of a Tours Service License (TSL) instead of a Public Service Vehicle license as unlawful. The regulator also insisted that SWVL register as a Matatu Sacco despite operating on digital platforms.
However, the company has promised to continue engaging with the NTSA to ensure compliance with the set rules. Shivachi Muleji, former SWVL Kenya General Manager, emphasized the company's commitment to finding a solution, stating, "In our goal to provide commuters with a safe, convenient, and efficient mass transport option. We have had our challenges. We're still in engagement with NTSA, and we remain committed to finding a way forward. We believe that our solution is transformational."
