The Petrol Station for the Lunatic Express

Eucalyptus trees were first introduced in Kenya in 1902 to provide fuel for the “Lunatic Express” — the legendary Kenya-Uganda railway. The trains, powered by steam engines, required an abundant supply of firewood to boil water and generate the steam that kept them running.

The railway was more than just a means of transport; it was a political and economic instrument. The British, eager to consolidate their control over East Africa, sought access to the mainland and strategic influence over the Nile and the Suez Canal. Thus, the Lunatic Express became both a lifeline and a symbol of colonization.

Every railway station along the line that snaked from the port of Mombasa to Kasese in Uganda was surrounded by groves of eucalyptus — the ultimate petrol stations for the early engines. The trees were preferred because of their fast-growing nature and adaptability, making them ideal for sustaining the endless appetite of steam locomotives.

Exactly 120 years later, the fears of the late Professor Wangari Maathai, Nobel Laureate and founder of the Green Belt Movement, have come to pass. She had warned that “the introduction of exotic plant species will negatively affect the balance of the ecosystem.” Today, long after the steam engines were replaced by diesel locomotives, Kenya continues to grapple with the ecological consequences of widespread eucalyptus cultivation.

Eucalypts, native to Australia, are among the most widely cultivated forest trees in the world, comprising over 900 species and numerous hybrids. They are valued for their versatility — used in construction, fencing, power poles, plywood, firewood, and charcoal production. However, their benefits have come at a heavy environmental cost.

Conservationists often call the eucalyptus the “green cancer” for its destructive impact on ecosystems. These trees are notorious for draining wetlands, lowering groundwater tables, and choking rivers and streams of life. Their aggressive water consumption and allelopathic properties — the ability to suppress the growth of other plants — make them unsuitable for ecologically sensitive areas.

Recently, environmental advocates scored a significant victory when a Kenyan court ordered the removal of eucalyptus trees growing along wetlands — a ruling hailed as a major win for conservation. This decision reinforces the urgent need to protect fragile ecosystems from further degradation caused by invasive species.

In Thogoto Forest, for example, over 80% of the trees are eucalyptus. These can be gradually removed and replaced with indigenous species through a coordinated approach involving corporates, communities, and government agencies. Incentives such as tax exemptions or public recognition could motivate corporate participation in large-scale ecological restoration.

Moreover, the growth of eucalyptus in residential areas is strongly discouraged, as the trees pose risks to life and property. Their extensive roots can damage foundations, roads, and underground utilities, while their towering height increases the danger of falling branches during storms.

It is time to heal the land from the unintended consequences of the colonial past. What once served as the petrol station for the Lunatic Express has now become a threat to our environment and water security. Replacing these green invaders with native trees is not just an environmental necessity — it is an act of ecological justice and restoration for generations to come.