With the establishment of the East African Protectorate by the British Empire, the building of the once-dubbed “Lunatic Express”, about 660 miles, began around 1896 in Kenya. Consequently, these are the things to know about this relic colonial railway line.
1. The line was built to deter the advancement of the French to East Africa
Initially, colonialists only established trading posts along the coastline of Africa. But with stiffer competition and the expansionist strategy in full effect, there was a need for colonialists to venture further into the continent’s hinterlands.
While Britain had established control in East Africa, its concerns grew that the French empire could expand from West Africa.
Thus, the railway line was built to deter the advance of the French. It gave the British strategic control over the Nile River, plus commercial benefits.
2. Origin of the lunatic express name
One of the notable backers of the project was Wilson Churchill. He referred to the proposed project as one of the finest exhibitions of the art of muddling through by the British.
The name Lunatic Line was coined by Henry Labouchère, a British member of parliament and writer, during heated debates about the massive project in 1896.
With an estimated final cost of $9 million, up from the $5 million initial cost, it is understandable why the British media and parliament were up in arms against the idea.
Later, in 1971, the now popular nickname, “Lunatic Express,” was conceived by Charles Miller as part of his book title.
Later, in 1971, the other more popular nickname, “Lunatic Express,” was conceived by Charles Miller as part of the title of the book he would later publish.
3. Indian laborers remained behind to live in Kenya
It is estimated that over 30,000 Indians were involved as laborers and artisans in constructing the Kenya-Uganda Railway. Indians were transported from India, which was a British colony.
After completing the East African railway line construction, nearly 6,000 Indian laborers chose to stay permanently in Kenya. That is why a sizable, thriving Indian population is found in Kenya and Uganda today.
Indian Kenyans are known for their enterprising spirit and contribution to Kenya’s rich food culture, especially with delicacies such as samosa, kebab, fish curry, biryani, and chapatis.
4. Tsavo man-eating lions
That is the popular name given to a pair of notorious male lions known for attacking and mauling the Lunatic Express workers across the Tsavo National Park.
For nine months, the rampant lions mauled more than 135 Indian workers. There is no record of the number of natives that died or became wounded due to the killer lions. Most workers were attacked as they slept in their camping tents at night.
Railway police superintendent Sir Henry Charles Ryall is one of the notable British that the man-eating lions dragged from his carriage and mauled to death.
5. Deaths and more misery
Apart from attacks by the lurking wild animals and brutal clashes between the locals and the British, the workers were also exposed to the feared Tsetse fly.
Also, tropical diseases such as malaria and unfavorable working conditions were common problems. The railway was constructed on a route with lots of swamps and valleys. Modest estimates put the number of deaths to be over 2,500.
In conclusion, if you visit Kenya or Uganda, you can get a taste of this colonial relic as some areas are still well-maintained and used for transportation purposes. And, you can also use the new railway line dubbed Madaraka Express. Madaraka is a Swahili term meaning freedom.
1. A train on the railway line after its construction
Natives inspected and registered before boarding the colonial train
obi2542. Construction of the East African Railway Line
Indian artisans and laborers during the construction of the East African railway line, a pet project of colonial Britain
3. The newly built Madaraka Express Train and Railway Line
The newly built Madaraka Express train and line was financed by the Chinese and was meant to replace the existing British-constructed colonial railway line
4. One of the man eating lions of Tsavo In Kenya
Lt. Col. Patterson pictured with one of the man eaters of Tsavo in 1898 after he killed both of them.
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