Have you tried to start KiCad from a terminal?

I have used KiCad in ubuntu 8.04 and 8.10 without problems, it is
installed using Synaptic. I know it's not the latest version, but it
works very well.

There is another layout tool in Synaptic called Eagle Light Edition, I
haven't tried it because of some limitations to the board size, 100 x 80 mm.

Oh, btw. if you need a circuit simulator there's one called Qucs in
Synaptic.