BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Radio 4 (FM)

The Lunatic Line

The Lunatic Line: Episode 1

Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Lunatic Line, Episode 1

Ayisha Yahya recounts the history of Kenya's Lunatic Line.

British built over 100 years ago at colossal financial and human cost, Ayisha Yahya’s history of Kenya's Lunatic Line. From 2011.

The 600-mile railway line from the Kenyan coast to Uganda became known as The Lunatic Line for the astronomical financial and human costs of construction. 

Built by the British between 1895 and 1901 through hostile tribal lands and malarial swamps, it was an enormous engineering challenge. Thousands of workers died during the railway's construction, mostly from disease, although the man-eating lions of Tsavo also devoured many. Little wonder then that it was opposed as a gigantic folly.

In the first of two programmes, Ayisha Yahya looks back at the history of the railway that transformed East Africa beyond recognition. 

Producer: Ruth Evans
A Ruth Evans production first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Factual: History

Factual: Travel

Ayisha Yahya tells the story of the 600-mile railway line from the Kenyan coast to Uganda

Ayisha Yahya recounts the history of the 600-mile railway line from the Kenyan coast to Uganda, which became known as the Lunatic Line for the astronomical financial and human cost

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Lunatic Line

Episode 1

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4