Transportation... AIEEEE!

Pictures: Changing a "puncture" (flat tire), riding in the back of a desert car, herd of goats crossing the road, and locals hitching a ride on a "lorry" (semi)

Kenyan transportation can only be described in one way: terrifying.
On being picked up from the airport my first night, I was sincerely concerned when the "driver" kept turning around and talking to me. I later realized that not only do they drive on the opposite side of the road, the driver is also on the opposite side of the car (in my defense I had been traveling for 20 hours).
Driving in Nairobi is much like driving in any other big city -- many cars, people, honking etc. In larger towns, some of the roads have two lanes, but that is it; there is no shoulder or painted lines. In general, roads are not maintained. Paved roads have HUGE potholes and people drive on whichever side of the road is in better shape. It is not uncommon to see a car barreling down directly at you only for the other car to pull back into its lane at the last second. Oh, and seatbelts are only required for the front seat. People drive fast! In some places there are speedbumps, but if the nearby citizens feel traffic is still moving too fast they will dig trenches across the road. Some roads are also lined with rocks to keep people from driving on the places where people walk. Donkeys, goats, sheep and cows are ubiquitous and have no fear of vehicles. What amazes me most is the people who pack so many things on their bicycles you can barely see them. I have no idea how they balance.
In the country, the road is a bit like a cross between Peter and Rose's driveway and Pat and Jeanne's road. For those of you who do not know the reference, it is basically very bumpy. After it rains in the desert, the roads are completely gone. There are no fixed routes, and whoever drives a path first makes the road.
Matatus are the method of public transportation. They are basically twelve passenger vans, but often have up to 25 people inside. They have a sliding door and the person who collects the money hangs out the door even after the vehicle has started moving. There has been a major issue lately with drunk matatu drivers.
Police set up spikes in the road for random stops. They don't usually stop you, but if they do (especially towards the end of the month) they try to find a violation. Then, instead of taking the ticket you are expected to bribe them. The more pocket money they need the more violations you probably have. The bribe is usually the same amount as the ticket would be, but you avoid hours in court. Fortunately, with the Sisters there is usually no problem.
Kenya is also known for the "Lunatic Express" the railway from Nairobi to Mombassa. I hope to ride it someday.
Driving is scary, but it is also an exhilarating experience!