Environmental activist Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott has officially broken the record for the most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours. Hillary successfully planted 23,326 trees at Kessup Forest Station in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, surpassing the previous record of 23,060 trees set by Canada’s Antoine Moses in 2021. Kenya Forest Service (KFS) described the achievement as “remarkable” and a historic milestone for Kenya’s reforestation efforts.
Hillary began his 24-hour non-stop tree-planting marathon on Wednesday, April 22, at 11:00 a.m. and concluded on Thursday at the same time.
Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott is a member of the Green Earth Ambassadors Foundation. He undertook this challenge due to his deep passion for nature and the environment. His objective was to surpass the previous Guinness World Record held by Canadian Antoine Moses, who planted 23,060 trees in 24 hours in 2021.
To prepare for the attempt, Hillary maintained peak physical fitness and worked on enhancing his speed and endurance. Planting each tree requires bending down, digging a hole, placing the seedling, and covering it with soila physically demanding process when repeated thousands of times without rest. Throughout the 24-hour marathon, Hillary did not sleep. He was the sole person planting the trees, while a dedicated support team provided him with seedlings and water. Officials from the Kenya Forest Service closely monitored the process, counting each tree and ensuring all Guinness World Records regulations were followed. Local leaders and residents arrived in large numbers to offer encouragement.
The record attempt is part of Kenya’s ambitious national goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, aimed at restoring forest cover, combating climate change, improving rainfall patterns, and preventing desertification. Hillary’s remarkable achievement has instilled pride among many Kenyans. By planting 23,326 trees in 24 hours, he has not only set a new world record but also showcased the potential of youth-led climate action.