Kenyan environmentalist Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott breaks tree planting world record

Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott, a 29-year-old Kenyan environmentalist, has officially surpassed the previous Guinness World Record for the most trees planted by an individual within a 24-hour window. The feat took place at the Kessup Forest Station in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, where Kibiwott managed to plant 23,326 seedlings.

The endurance-driven attempt began on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and concluded the following morning. Kibiwott, who co-founded the Green Earth Ambassadors Foundation, targeted the record as a contribution to the national landscape restoration goals. His final tally narrowly exceeded the previous benchmark of 23,060 trees, established by Antoine Moses in Alberta, Canada, in 2021.

State officials and local leadership closely monitored the exercise. Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich flagged off the event, while Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, lauded the achievement. Lemarkoko noted that the milestone reflects exceptional dedication and a deep commitment to environmental conservation through individual action.

The effort aligns with the broader environmental strategy spearheaded by President Ruto, which aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. Principal Secretary for Forestry, Gitonga Mugambi, stated that the initiative is a critical part of restoring degraded landscapes and protecting water catchments. Mugambi described the attempt as a signal of what the nation can achieve through collective and individual resolve.

Kibiwott conducted the planting across approximately 30.15 hectares of land. The exercise required relentless physical exertion, with the planter moving continuously through the forest block to meet the rigorous requirements for a Guinness World Record entry. National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, acting as a patron for local conservation programs, highlighted the record as a bold form of climate action.

While the number of trees planted has been confirmed by local observers and the Kenya Forest Service, official verification from Guinness World Records is expected to follow the submission of evidence. This record follows recent environmental milestones in Kenya, including a successful tree-hugging record attempt, signaling a growing trend of high-profile conservation activities in the region.

The Kessup Forest Station serves as a strategic site for these restoration efforts, as the government continues to mobilize resources for the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign. Organizers believe that such visible achievements help to sensitize the public on the importance of forest cover and sustainable land stewardship.