Kenya at 50: The Railway Builders (video)

[John Ashworth]

Kenya @50: Asian African Heritage - The Railway Builders

As Kenya marks 50 years since unshackling itself from colonialism, it is perhaps time to look back at the history of some of Kenya's landmarks to better understand the contribution made by Kenyans of different races in shaping the country's future. For just two sterling pounds a month, an equivalent of 24,000 Kenya shillings at current exchange rates, and using nothing other than their bare hands and feet, indian labourers dared the man-eating lions of Tsavo to build the rail track from Mombasa to Kampala. Their sacrifices in the construction of the line nicknamed the "lunatic express" helped lay the foundation to a modern Kenya and book a special place for the Indian community in Kenya.

Our reporter brings you the story of the Indian connection to Kenya's infrastructural development.