Does anyone know if the Kisumu - Nairobi train is up and running yet. As I understand it the service was suspended due to a derailment last year but I intend to use it if it's available when I go to Kenya in August.

Well... the first train ran on Christmas eve on the Nairobi/Kisumu run. I assume it's still running... Haven't seen anything in the news about it not running. Price is about the same as taking a bus. 3rd class is about 250KES without a meal, 2nd class is something like 650KES without a meal... and 1st class is 1200KES or so - if I remember the news story correctly.

Yes The Train is running again. But i recommend you take a bus. The train breaks down sometimes for days and it isn't very secure if it does.

That's good advice mbaka. I'll be honest and say that whenever I've taken the bus from Eldoret/Kisumu to Nairobi it has scared me half to death, it's a particularly frantic stretch of road and the drivers are notoriously aggressive there. I think I'll keep an eye on the train's operational success over the next few months and if it runs without problems may give it a try. Hopefully you could keep me posted on any developments on this front.

Many thanks.

fly, man, fly!

If you're going to take the train, I suggest at least 2nd class. Might have to book at least 12 hours ahead of time.

For sure. I agree that at least 2nd class for security reasons is appropriate. Mambo, why fly and get the journey over with so quickly when you can travel and saver the beautiful countryside on the way?

travelling by train or bus is the best way to see a country. as a rule I always avoid flying unless I have time constraints or it takes more than 24 hours. I rate the 24 hr train journey from Bombay to Banglore as one of the best. Saw lots of the country, met lots of lovely people and ate lots of food at the stations along the way. I have done a few Mombasa-Kisumu bus journeys. Those are quite tiring - always better to travel by train then by bus.

Mombasa - Kisumu, wow that takes some guts. I don't think I 've quite got the stomach for such an expedition and would probably/definitely fly that one. Does the Mombasa train continue on to Kisumu via Nairobi or would one have to change trains in Nairobi? Are there trains running to Eldoret from Nairobi anymore?

You took a bus? Wow, you are brave. I rode in a bus once... from Nairobi to Nakuru. Only once. I take the Overland Taxis now. I took an Overland Taxi from Nairobi to Kisumu and back in May 2003. Was an interesting ride. Still hair raising at times, but a whole lot more safe than that bus ride to Nakuru. If you can, snag the front seat in the Taxi. The disadvantage is you can see where you are going, and it's best to close your eyes <grin>, but the advantage is that you have a bit of room, and are not squashed into the seat. Never take the very back seat if you can avoid it. The wheel arches will dislocate your pelvis with all the hammering you will take from the wonderful roads.

Good news my Roads and rails sport-friends!
There is a comfortable Bus with toillet, Aircondition, stewardes and service with drinks and snacks on the Nairobi-Mombasa Road chatered by Coastliners (Coastbuses). I drove with it and i say...Thumps up! It costs 1500 shillings oneway.

The Mombasa Road is under construction and should be finished within this year. Other Buslines want to put luxury buses on other route too, so probably Nairobi-Entembe route also.