Environmentalist Kiplagat sets new record with 23,326 trees planted in 24 hours

Environmentalist Hilary Kiplagat sets new record with 23,326 trees planted in 24 hours / Kenya Forest Service

Environmentalist Hilary Kiplagat has set a new global benchmark after planting 23,326 trees within 24 hours at Kessup Forest Station in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The feat surpasses the previous record of 23,060 trees, set by Canadian planter Antoine Moses in La Crete, Alberta, on July 17, 2021.

Kibiwott’s record attempt, which now awaits official confirmation by the Guinness World Records, marks a significant milestone in global reforestation efforts and youth-led climate action.

He achieved the milestone during a tightly coordinated mass tree-planting exercise supported by forestry officials and local community members.

The Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko congratulated Kibiwott, praising his commitment to environmental conservation and restoration.

“He has demonstrated true passion and commitment to forest conservation,” Lemarkoko said.

The achievement is expected to boost Kenya’s ongoing reforestation drive, which aims to increase tree cover and restore degraded landscapes while encouraging individual participation in climate action initiatives.

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.

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 were 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.

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.

Kiplagat, 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.