Kenya celebrates as Antoine Moses plants 47,460 mangroves in global record attempt

Principal Secretary for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi, who welcomed Antoine Moses to Kenya, congratulated him on his record-breaking attempt pending ratification, and encouraged communities and all Kenyans to take part in restoration efforts. 

He said the initiative aligns with President William Ruto’s call to restore degraded ecosystems through the 15 billion tree-growing programme. He also invited Moses to tour Kenya and enjoy its hospitality.

Antoine Moses, the reigning Guinness World Records holder for the most trees planted in 24 hours, has set a new global benchmark after planting 47,460 mangrove propagules within 24 hours at Mirarani, Tudor Creek in Mombasa County.

 
Secretary, Forest Development George Tarus (left) and Dr. Jane Wangu Njuguna, CEO/Director of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), congratulate Antoine Moses on his world record-breaking feat. 

The feat, completed at exactly 08:01 hours, followed a continuous 24-hour stretch of intense physical endurance and mental resilience.

The achievement comes amid heightened global attention, with Guinness World Records still reviewing a separate attempt by Kenyan environmentalist Hillary Kibiwott to surpass Antoine’s earlier terrestrial tree-planting record, adding further significance to the milestone.

Backed by the Kenya Forest Service, local communities, and conservation partners including EarthLungs, the initiative has drawn global focus to mangrove ecosystems, vital coastal buffers that remain among the most threatened in the world.

The closing ceremony was attended by the Kenya Forest Service, the Ministry of Environment, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, EarthLungs, and other partners and stakeholders.

"With this achievement, Antoine Moses has not only defended his global standing but elevated it, delivering a defining moment of resilience, purpose, and environmental leadership on the world stage," the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) stated.