how bad is the nairobi western kenya road?

Anyone been on any of the roads from nairobi to kisumu of late? if so is it better to fly or should i take a train

Hi there - nearly all the roads in Kenya are in a very bad condition. I travelled the area in Aug 2007 and really was concerned for my safety. We took more than 4 hours the drive from Lake Nakru to lake Navisha - our driver and all other drivers were continually swerving from one side of the road to the other to try to find a smoother track. I have not travelled on the train - but understand it is slow, but reasonably safe.

Best of luck. Orion_Mike

Thanks mate. that was a great help. im in nairobi & for all needing more info, a colligue texted me that it is cheaper to fly than drive to kisumu. thank you :-)

Hi there.

I travelled from Nairobi to Kakamega, (via Kisumu), in September. I travelled with EasyCoach. the cost was 850 ksh, and it took 9 hours, (8hrs to Kisumu). this included a half hour break in Nakuru.

Parts of the journey, were smooth enough, but much was the usual Kenyan combination of pot-holes, narrow roads, and idiotic drivers. I don't think there is any way of avoiding this on Kenyan roads at the moment.

If you can afford it - fly. if you are not in a hurry - take the train. Tis up to you.

Hope this helps.

David

Take the train - it's the traditional, civilised way, and an experience in itself, straight from 1950s colonial Africa. It's cheap, too. Info is at http://www.seat61.com/Kenya.htm

it is better you take a train and book the first class.