Environmental activist Hillary Kiplagat has established a new worldwide standard by successfully planting 23,326 trees in just 24 hours at Kessup Forest Station in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
This accomplishment breaks the previous record of 23,060 trees set by Canadian tree planter Antoine Moses in La Crete, Alberta, on July 17, 2021.
Kibiwott’s record attempt, currently pending official verification from Guinness World Records, represents a notable advancement in worldwide reforestation initiatives and climate action led by young people.
He accomplished this impressive feat through a meticulously organized mass tree-planting initiative that involved forestry experts and local community members.
Alex Lemarkoko, the Chief Conservator of Forests, commended Kibiwott for his dedication to environmental preservation and restoration.
“He has shown genuine dedication and commitment to forest conservation,” Lemarkoko stated.
This achievement is projected to enhance Kenya’s ongoing reforestation campaign, which seeks to expand forest coverage and rehabilitate damaged environments while motivating individual involvement in climate action programs.
Youth environmentalist Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott undertook a challenging endeavor to establish the Guinness World Records title for the highest number of trees planted by a single person in 24 hours.
Kiplagat, a young resident of Elgeyo-Marakwet County, initiated his attempt on Wednesday at Kessup Forest Station, targeting to plant a minimum of 24,000 saplings within 24 hours across a 30.15 hectare area.
Governor Wesley Rotich of Elgeyo-Marakwet officially launched Kiplagat’s attempt, marking what was characterized as a crucial environmental achievement.
Personnel from the Kenya Forest Service supervised the event, with North Rift Regional Forest Conservator John Rono and County Forest Conservator Richard Guya present to offer technical assistance and support.
The gathering also drew attention from national figures, including Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, who joined other officials at the forest station to observe the record-breaking attempt.
In a previous interview, Kiplagat explained that he began his ambitious project to plant 24,000 trees within 24 hours as a determined effort to address climate change and motivate youth-driven environmental action.
Kiplagat, who founded the Green Earth Ambassadors Foundation, started his challenge on April 22 to align with Earth Day observances.
“What I hope to be recognized for is that on this date, April 22, during World Earth Day observance, I initiated planting over 24,000 trees in 24 hours. My objective is to set a record and become the first African to accomplish this in Kenya,” he explained.
“Why is this challenge important to me? It matters because we are all confronting climate change, which is a real phenomenon. Many people may not recognize it, but from my perspective, I can confirm it is real. We observe rivers diminishing and numerous environmental changes occurring, all related to climate change. What I am attempting is an effort to assist in addressing this issue.”
The environmental advocate stressed that individual actions can make substantial contributions to global climate solutions, encouraging more individuals to take proactive measures.