Hillary Kibiwott named Ambassador for Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees Campaign

The appointment follows his record attempt to plant the most trees by an individual in 24 hours, during which he planted 23,326 trees non-stop between 11 am on 22 April 2026 and 11 am on 23 April 2026 at the Kessup Block of Kaptagat Forest, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, an achievement pending ratification by Guinness World Records.

The announcement was made at the  Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry headquarters in Nairobi by the Cabinet Secretary,  Dr. Deborah Barasa

The feat has drawn widespread attention as a powerful example of citizen-led forest restoration at scale. 

“It was a great privilege to host Kenya’s tree-planting champion, Hillary Kibiwott, who planted 23,326 trees in 24 hours,” said Dr Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. 

“I congratulate him on his appointment as Ambassador for Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees Campaign, a well-deserved role, as he awaits ratification of his record-breaking challenge by the Guinness World Records. His leadership, commitment, resilience and expertise in mobilising diverse stakeholders will help scale forest conservation and inspire a nationwide restoration movement.”  She added 

Hillary Kibiwott speaks with Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, and Gitonga Mugambi, Principal Secretary for Forestry, at the Ministry headquarters in Nairobi.

The Ministry says the government will support the expansion of this momentum across all 47 counties, with a focus on translating individual action into coordinated national impact, while creating green jobs and restoring degraded landscapes. 

“The appointment of Hillary Kibiwott as Ambassador marks a defining moment for Kenya’s restoration agenda,” noted Gitonga Mugambi, Principal Secretary for Forestry.

“After witnessing him complete the final stretch, I saw a determined and selfless young man committed to restoring forests in Kaptagat and beyond. The same resolve was evident when I hosted him in Nairobi. He told me, ‘the momentum is unstoppable’.” 

Kibiwott’s next phase will focus on mobilising communities and partners across sectors, as Kenya accelerates efforts to meet its 2032 tree-growing target.