You must inform Guinness World Records before doing a challenge – Truphena Muthoni

Tree-planting ambassador Truphena Muthoni has advised Kenyans interested in attempting Guinness World Records to familiarise themselves with the organisation’s approval and verification procedures.

She said applicants are required to notify Guinness World Records several months in advance, noting that no attempt can proceed without prior clearance.

According to Muthoni, Guinness requires continuous video documentation of the challenge, including a live feed, supported by a structured system of witnesses and timekeeping records.

She explained that witnesses work in rotating shifts, with at least two witnesses assigned for four-hour sessions before handing over to another pair.

Timekeeper statements and detailed log books are also required.

“It is a requirement. You cannot just wake up and decide to do it. There are procedures that must be followed for approval, including continuous video, live coverage and witnesses,” she said during an interview at Obinna Show on Wednesday.

Reflecting on her own experience, Muthoni said she kept 18 log books and trained for several months ahead of the attempt. She noted that fatigue was not the primary challenge she faced.

“I was not tired. I had practised with shorter sessions of 35 hours and later 60 hours. The challenge was sleep, not exhaustion,” she said.

Her remarks come amid growing interest in Guinness World Records challenges in Kenya, with some aspirants appearing unaware of the administrative and verification requirements involved.

Muthoni urged prospective challengers to prepare adequately and to initiate the approval process early if they wish to have their attempts officially recognised.

Her comments follow the widespread attention generated by her 72-hour tree-hugging challenge, which she undertook in December outside the Nyeri County Governor’s office.

She said the effort was intended to promote environmental conservation and encourage reconnection with nature.

The initiative sparked similar attempts by other Kenyans seeking to raise awareness for various causes.

In Murang’a County, Pastor James (Jimmy) Irungu undertook a tree-hugging challenge aimed at drawing attention to cancer awareness.

According to accounts shared during the event, he was taken to hospital after collapsing near the end of the attempt.

Irungu had earlier said his intention was to highlight the challenges faced by families dealing with cancer.

Following the trend, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni cautioned Kenyans to assess their medical fitness before engaging in prolonged and strenuous activities.

She said some individuals were attempting extended tree-hugging challenges without sufficient preparation, likening the activity to endurance sports that require training.

“If you want to do strenuous exercise, you must first be checked to confirm that you are medically fit,” she said, adding that even marathon runners undergo months of preparation.

The Principal Secretary said the government does not oppose the initiative but urged participants to take necessary precautions to minimise potential health risks.