- A Kenyan environmental enthusiast has set a new global tree planting record in Elgeyo Marakwet
- He managed to plant 23,326 trees within 24 hours, beating the previous world mark
- The attempt took place at Kessup Forest Station with support from forestry officials and local leaders
- The achievement is still awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Records
- The effort supports Kenya’s wider goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032
A young Kenyan conservation enthusiast has captured global attention after delivering a remarkable performance in tree planting. Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott, aged 29, pushed himself to the limit in a 24-hour mission that drew widespread attention. The exercise was staged at Kessup Forest Station in Elgeyo Marakwet County, where he worked nonstop under close supervision. By the end of the challenge, he had planted thousands of trees, rewriting what many thought was possible in a single day.
The event began on the morning of Wednesday, April 22, and ran through to Thursday, April 23. Kibiwott had set his sights on planting 24,000 trees within the time limit. Although he narrowly missed his personal target, his final count of 23,326 trees was enough to set a new world record. The performance surpassed the previous benchmark of 23,060 trees set in Canada in 2021.
The intense challenge tested both physical endurance and mental strength as the clock ticked down. Every minute counted as Kibiwott moved from one planting point to another inside the forest station. Support teams from the Kenya Forest Service monitored the process to ensure accuracy and fairness throughout the attempt. Local leaders and conservation officials also joined in to witness the historic moment.
Governor Wisely Rotich was among those present during the flag-off ceremony at the forest. He praised the young Kenyan for embracing such a demanding challenge and drawing attention to environmental conservation. The governor also noted the strong support from the local community, who turned up in large numbers. According to him, the moment marked a proud chapter for Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Despite the impressive achievement, the record is not yet officially confirmed at the international level. Guinness World Records, the global authority that verifies such feats, still needs to review and validate the attempt. This process involves strict checks to confirm accuracy, documentation, and compliance with set rules. Until then, the record remains provisional even though it has already surpassed the previous mark.
For recognition, the organisation requires clear and measurable evidence such as videos, witnesses, and proper documentation. It must also be a challenge that can be repeated and fairly tested by others in future. Guinness World Records has emphasised that only objective and verifiable achievements are accepted. This means subjective claims or unclear measurements cannot qualify.
Kibiwott’s effort goes beyond personal achievement, aligning closely with Kenya’s national environmental goals. The government is currently driving an ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by the year 2032. The aim is to restore degraded land, fight climate change, and expand forest cover across the country. Events like this are seen as key motivators in pushing that agenda forward.
Conservation officials believe such initiatives inspire more citizens to take part in environmental protection. The attempt’s visibility has already sparked conversations about climate action and youth involvement. Many see it as a powerful example of how individual effort can contribute to national goals. Whether officially ratified or not, the achievement has already left a strong mark on Kenya’s environmental journey.
