Kenyan environmentalist Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott has completed a high-stakes mission to set a new world record for the most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours.
The endurance feat concluded on the morning of Thursday, April 23, 2026, within the Kessup Forest Block of the Kaptagat Forest, situated in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Kibiwott successfully planted 23,326 tree seedlings, surpassing the only known standing Guinness World Record of 23,060 trees.
That previous record was established in July 2021 by Canadian planter Antoine Moses, who achieved the mark within a 24-hour window in Alberta.
Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott completes 24-hour tree planting world record attempt in Elgeyo Marakwet, awaits official verdict
Video by Elvis Koskei pic.twitter.com/71euto2SBo
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) April 23, 2026
While Kibiwott’s final count fell slightly short of his ambitious personal goal of 24,000 trees, his tally exceeded the existing world mark by 266 trees.
The challenge commenced at 11:00 am on Wednesday and was conducted across a designated 30-hectare area of degraded forest land.
The entire process was supervised by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and documented for official verification. Kibiwott, the co-founder of the Green Earth Ambassadors Foundation, maintained a continuous pace throughout the night, supported by community members and environmental partners.
Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko monitored the progress, noting the physical demands of the task.
“I have seen in Hillary Kiplagat resilience and strength of spirit. Even as fatigue sets in and the body is pushed to its limits, he has shown that planting such a volume of trees is within human possibility. This is a signal of what can be achieved toward restoring forests,” Lemarkoko stated.
Congratulations to HILLARY KIPLAGAT Buzeki for breaking the previous Italian record of 23,060 in Kessup, Elgeyo Marakwet by planting 23,326 trees in 24 hours.
His passion for a sustainable environment and protecting our water catchment is a noble and worthwhile… pic.twitter.com/eRzi3jVwiJ
— Buzeki Kiprop Bundotich-OGW (@BuzekiKiprop) April 23, 2026
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to support Kenya’s national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
This government-led mandate aims to rehabilitate water catchment areas and increase the national forest cover to 30 per cent.
Dr. Chris Kiptoo, Patron of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme, observed that the attempt holds specific local significance, noting that the name “Kibiwott” translates to “one born in the rainy season” in the Kalenjin language, a period traditionally dedicated to planting.
The record-breaking attempt occurred as part of broader activities coinciding with Earth Day observations, focusing on grassroots contributions to global reforestation efforts.
Final confirmation of the record is currently awaiting the standard verification protocols from the Guinness World Records adjudicators.
