In a statement shared on her official X account on Thursday, April 23, 2026, the First Lady described the achievement as “history written in green,” noting that the effort represents a powerful commitment to environmental conservation and future generations.
“History has been written in green. Congratulations to Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott for setting a remarkable new record by planting an astounding 23,326 trees within 24 hours at Kessup Forest Station. This achievement is a powerful statement of commitment to our environment and to future generations,” she stated.
Kibiwott’s accomplishment, carried out at Kessup Forest Station in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, has been widely celebrated as a significant boost to Kenya’s ongoing reforestation efforts.
The feat underscores the growing role of individual initiatives in addressing climate change and restoring degraded landscapes.
At the same time, Rachel Ruto challenged Kenyans to take inspiration from the milestone and actively participate in environmental conservation efforts.
At the same time, Rachel Ruto challenged Kenyans to take inspiration from the milestone and actively participate in environmental conservation efforts.
She called on communities across the country to embrace tree planting and nurturing as part of a broader climate action agenda.
“As we continue to champion climate action and environmental conservation, may this milestone inspire even greater momentum across our communities to plant, nurture, and protect trees,” she added.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) confirmed the record in an official statement, noting that Kibiwott’s achievement surpasses the previous world record of 23,060 trees set in 2021 in Canada. The Service commended his dedication, resilience, and commitment to environmental sustainability.
According to KFS, the tree-planting exercise was conducted under carefully monitored conditions to ensure compliance with Guinness World Records standards.
“As we continue to champion climate action and environmental conservation, may this milestone inspire even greater momentum across our communities to plant, nurture, and protect trees,” she added.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) confirmed the record in an official statement, noting that Kibiwott’s achievement surpasses the previous world record of 23,060 trees set in 2021 in Canada. The Service commended his dedication, resilience, and commitment to environmental sustainability.
According to KFS, the tree-planting exercise was conducted under carefully monitored conditions to ensure compliance with Guinness World Records standards.
The agency emphasised that the effort not only broke a global record but also contributed significantly to Kenya’s national goal of increasing forest cover.
KFS further noted that the milestone aligns with the country’s broader environmental agenda, which seeks to mobilise citizens, institutions, and stakeholders to actively participate in reforestation and conservation programmes.
The achievement has drawn praise from environmental advocates and leaders, with many highlighting the importance of sustained efforts beyond record-setting events.
KFS further noted that the milestone aligns with the country’s broader environmental agenda, which seeks to mobilise citizens, institutions, and stakeholders to actively participate in reforestation and conservation programmes.
The achievement has drawn praise from environmental advocates and leaders, with many highlighting the importance of sustained efforts beyond record-setting events.
Experts argue that while such milestones create awareness, long-term impact will depend on nurturing the planted trees to maturity.
Kibiwott’s record comes at a time when Kenya is intensifying efforts to combat deforestation and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Kibiwott’s record comes at a time when Kenya is intensifying efforts to combat deforestation and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The government has been encouraging large-scale tree planting initiatives as part of its strategy to restore ecosystems and secure water catchment areas.
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