Greek contractors implemented the Kenya-Uganda railway in the 1900s.
Towards the end of 1891, the British decided to build a railway to connect Mombasa with the Victoria Nyanza in Uganda. The line started in 1896 in the port city of Mombasa and in May 1899, the railway reached a site 326km from the coast; this became its major depot and later evolved into the capital city Nairobi. In 1903, the Kenya-Uganda line reached Kampala.
Due to the project difficulties, the British construction companies (Pauling and Company, Messrs King, Barraud and Burnless) hired Greek contractors who got acquainted with the implementation of the railway. The Greeks were skilful and highly experienced since they had worked in railways project in Asia.
Towards the end of 1891, the British decided to build a railway to connect Mombasa with the Victoria Nyanza in Uganda. The line started in 1896 in the port city of Mombasa and in May 1899, the railway reached a site 326km from the coast; this became its major depot and later evolved into the capital city Nairobi. In 1903, the Kenya-Uganda line reached Kampala.
Due to the project difficulties, the British construction companies (Pauling and Company, Messrs King, Barraud and Burnless) hired Greek contractors who got acquainted with the implementation of the railway. The Greeks were skilful and highly experienced since they had worked in railways project in Asia.
In terms of human resource, more than 25,000 men had worked on the
railway. About 6,500 were badly wounded and became incapacitated, while
2,500 died mainly from lion attacks and tropical diseases such as the
Sleeping Sickness.The railway ended up being very important during World
War I, when it helped the British defeat Germany in east Africa.
