Nairobi — Under the cool canopy of Kessup Forest, a quiet but determined effort to make history is underway, drawing attention from conservationists, government officials and local residents alike.
Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott, an environmentalist from Elgeyo-Marakwet County, has embarked on an ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most trees planted by an individual in 24 hours.
His target is to plant at least 24,000 seedlings across 30.15 hectares, surpassing the current record of 23,060 trees set in 2021 by Canadian tree planter Antoine Moses.
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Flagged off by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich, the attempt has quickly turned into more than just a personal challenge.
It is being framed as a reflection of Kenya's broader commitment to climate action and environmental restoration.
On the ground, the Kenya Forest Service has deployed teams to support the exercise.
Regional Forest Conservator John Rono and County Forest Conservator Richard Guya are among those overseeing the process, ensuring the planting meets both technical and verification standards required for the record attempt.
Many officials present on the ground say Kibiwott's effort is symbolic of a larger national movement.
"I congratulate Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott, Co-Founder of the Green Earth Ambassadors Foundation, as he takes on the extraordinary challenge of planting more than 24,000 trees within 24 hours," said Principal Secretary, State Department of Forestry, Gitonga Mugambi.
"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."
Kenya's tree-growing campaign, popularly known as the "Jaza Miti" programme, was launched by President William Ruto in December 2022 and aims to increase the country's tree cover to 30 per cent.
The initiative targets the restoration of over 5.1 million hectares of degraded land, addressing challenges such as drought, floods and erratic rainfall.
Dr. Chris Kiptoo, Patron of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme, described the moment as one of both symbolism and inspiration.
"One determined young man stands at the edge of making history for our planet in Kaptagat Forest," he said.
"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."
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Back at Kessup Forest, the atmosphere remains focused.
The work is repetitive but relentless, digging, planting and moving from one spot to the next, hour after hour.
As the clock ticks, every seedling planted brings Kibiwott closer to rewriting the record books.
Whether or not the record is ultimately broken, those on site agree that the impact of the attempt is already being felt, both in the ground beneath their feet and in the message it sends about the power of individual action in addressing climate change.
