24 hours, 24,000 trees: Environmentalist Kiplagat’s green sprint for Guinness World Record attempt

Environmentalist Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott embarked on an ambitious bid to break the Guinness World Records title for the most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours.

Kiplagat, a youth from Elgeyo-Marakwet County, began the attempt on Wednesday at Kessup Forest Station, where he aimed to plant at least 24,000 seedlings within 24 hours across 30.15 hectares.

The current record stands at 23,060 trees, set by Antoine Moses in La Crete, Alberta, Canada, on July 17, 2021.

Kiplagat’s attempt was flagged off by Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich, marking the start of what was described as a major environmental milestone.

Officials from the Kenya Forest Service are overseeing the exercise, with the North Rift Regional Forest Conservator John Rono and County Forest Conservator Richard Guya on site to provide technical guidance and support.

The event also attracted national leaders, including PS Chris Kiptoo, who joined other officials at the forest station to witness the record attempt.

If successful, Kiplagat’s feat would set a new global benchmark while reinforcing calls for large-scale tree planting to combat climate change and environmental degradation.

Kenya Forest Service stated that the initiative underscores Kenya’s growing momentum in forest restoration and youth-led climate action.

By Thursday mid-morning, Kiplagat had made significant progress. However, official results are yet to be announced.

At a past interview, Kiplagat said he launched the ambitious attempt to plant 24,000 trees within 24 hours in a bold push to combat climate change and inspire youth-led action.

Kipagat, founder of the Green Earth Ambassadors Foundation, began the challenge on April 22 to coincide with Earth Day celebrations.

“What I want to be remembered for is that on this day, April 22, during the World Earth Day commemoration, I set out to plant over 24,000 trees in 24 hours. I aim to set a record and become the first African to achieve this here in Kenya,” he said.

“Why is it important for me to take this challenge? It is important because we are all fighting climate change, and it is real. Many people may not realise it, but from where I stand, I can tell you it is real. We are seeing rivers dry up and many environmental changes happening, all linked to climate change. What I am doing is an effort to help combat it.”

The environmentalist emphasised that individual efforts can contribute significantly to global climate solutions, urging more people to take initiative.

“I want to show that it is possible at an individual level. We should not wait; let us start small and grow bigger together,” he added.

Kiplagat called on young people in Kenya and across the world to draw inspiration from his attempt and actively participate in environmental conservation.

“I want them to feel they are part and parcel of climate action and take initiative in their own way,” he said.