On the main roads most of the grades are pretty mild, though sometimes several miles long there are of course exception. Off the paved road rain can create major problems. When wet the soil in Kenya seems to take on one of two characteristics. It becomes a quagmire or it stays as smooth packed clay and becomes as slick and treacherous as sheet ice. Kenya's best cycling in spread out across the width of the country so Kenya Rail can be a very useful supplement.
Second class is clean and comfortable and the service is generally prompt.
Bicycles are taken as baggage for a charge. There is also lake steamer service on Lake Victoria between Homa Bay and Kisumu. The people of Kenya travel extensively by buses, vans and converted pickup trucks called Matatus, which cover almost every road in the country. This economical travel resource is another options for bicyclists. Conditions inside may be cramped, but many of the vehicles have roof-racks for carrying luggage.