Kenyan environmentalist Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott is preparing for a Guinness World Record attempt by planting 24,000 trees in just 24 hours.
Kiplagat, a co-founder of the Green Earth Ambassadors Foundation, recently received official approval from Guinness World Records to launch his mission in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The tree-planting marathon will kick off on April 22, 2026, at 11 am and conclude exactly 24 hours later.
After Guinness World Records confirmed his application, which he filed on January 1, 2026, Kiplagat described the news as “a new dawn.” He believes the attempt will spark a global movement for environmental protection.
This is about more than setting a record,” he said. He added that he wants to create a movement that prioritizes climate action, sustainability, and the restoration of the environment for future generations.
In the lead-up to the challenge, organizers will hold a “curtain-raiser” tree-growing event to mobilize partners, volunteers, and environmental groups.
Canadian tree planter Antoine Moses currently holds the Guinness World Record after planting 23,060 trees on July 17, 2021, in La Crete, Alberta. His ambitious effort inspired Kiplagat to take on the challenge.
Kiplagat has invited institutions, county governments, corporate partners, and well-wishers to join the mission. He frames the attempt as both a local and global responsibility to heal the planet.
To secure the record, Kiplagat must beat Antoine Moses’ mark of 23,060 trees. This requires an almost superhuman level of physical endurance and precision:
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Pace Required: Kiplagat must plant at least 1,000 trees every hour.
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Average Speed: He needs to put a seedling in the ground every 3.6 seconds.
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The Target: 24,000 trees in 24 hours.
If successful, Kiplagat’s 24-hour marathon will not only secure him a spot in the Guinness World Records but also highlight Kenya’s growing influence in grassroots environmental action. His challenge follows a wave of tree-hugging records, including a recent achievement by fellow Kenyan environmentalist Truphena Muthoni.
Guinness World Records recently ratified Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hugging record in Nyeri County, where she braved heavy rain and exhaustion to advocate for indigenous forests. This milestone marked her second world record, following an earlier 48-hour feat in 2025. In recognition of her dedication, President William Ruto appointed her as an Ambassador for the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign and awarded her the Head of State Commendation (HSC).
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