Kenyan environmentalist attempts Guinness World Record by planting 24,000 trees in 24 hours

Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott, also known as Buzeki, started at 11am on Wednesday at Kaptagat Forest in Kameza, Kessup Forest Block, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The challenge, taking place across more than 30 hectares of forest land, is being streamed live and closely watched as a test of human endurance and environmental commitment.

The current record stands at 23,060 trees planted in 24 hours, set by Canadian Antoine Moses in 2021. 

Kibiwott, the co-founder of Green Earth Ambassadors Foundation, will need to surpass that figure to secure a place in the record books.

Officials from the Kenya Forest Service are overseeing the effort alongside partners and local supporters.

Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko described the effort as symbolic of a broader national ambition.

“I have seen, in Hillary Kiplagat, popularly known as Buzeki, resilience, a rare strength of spirit. Even as fatigue sets in and the body is pushed to its limits, he presses on, showing that what many would consider impossible, planting 24,000 trees in 24 hours, is within human possibility.”

“This is more than a Guinness World Records attempt. It is a powerful signal of what we can achieve as a nation and our collective ability to restore our disappearing forests,” he added 

The attempt comes as Kenya pushes towards a national target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032, part of a wider strategy to restore degraded landscapes and protect water catchment areas.

A word of prayer moments before the 24,000 Trees in 24 Hours challenge kicks off, just before 11:00am.

Principal Secretary for Forestry at the Ministry of Environment,  Gitonga Mugambi, said the challenge reflects the scale of action needed to address climate change.

“His effort speaks to a wider national mission, one that reflects Kenya’s commitment to restore degraded landscapes, safeguard vital water catchments, and realise the President’s ambition of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. It is an example of what bold, community-driven action can look like, a moment to draw climate action inspiration from.”

For Dr Chris Kiptoo, Patron of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme, the attempt carries cultural and symbolic meaning.

“One determined young man stands at the edge of making history for our planet in Kaptagat Forest. A Guinness World Records attempt to plant 24,000 trees in 24 hours is climate action courage redefined by Hillary Kibiwott.”

Saying there is more to a name literally, “His name, Kibiwott, in the Kalenjin language, means ‘one born in the rainy season’. In many Kenyan communities, that season symbolises decisive action, the planting season. Through this record-breaking attempt, he is planting more than trees; he is planting in us the courage and resolve to push beyond our limits in forest restoration, challenging us to rethink what is possible in climate action.”

If successful, the effort would not only set a new global benchmark but also highlight Kenya’s growing role in grassroots-led climate action as the world marks Earth Day.