Kenyans Make History with Guinness World Records Across Fields

• Jan 28, 2026

Kenyans continue to make global headlines by breaking records in sports, activism, education, and other extraordinary feats recognized by Guinness World Records. On January 26, 2026, Guinness confirmed that Kenyan environmental activist Truphena Muthoni set the world’s longest tree-hugging marathon, lasting 72 hours straight, surpassing her previous 48-hour record. Her achievement highlights both endurance and a commitment to environmental conservation.

Muthoni, 22, from Mathira, Nyeri County, began her journey in early 2025 by hugging a tree for 48 hours at Michuki Memorial Park in Nairobi. Between December 8 and 11, 2025, she extended her record at the Nyeri Governor’s Office grounds, enduring hunger, fatigue, and extreme weather to hug a tree continuously for three days. The feat was captured on video for Guinness verification. Beyond the record, Muthoni said her act aimed to raise awareness about forest conservation, indigenous knowledge, and the mental benefits of connecting with nature. President William Ruto later appointed her as an ambassador for Kenya’s 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign.

Kenya’s athletic achievers also feature prominently in Guinness World Records. Eliud Kipchoge became the first person to run a marathon under two hours, completing 42.195 km in 1:59:40 during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna in 2019. Kelvin Kiptum set the fastest officially recognized marathon time at 2:00:35 during the 2023 Chicago Marathon before tragically passing in 2024. Middle-distance stars David Rudisha and Faith Kipyegon hold world records in the 800m and 1500m events, respectively, while Beatrice Chebet broke the 5,000m and 10,000m women’s records.

Guinness records also celebrate feats outside athletics. Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge became the oldest person to start primary school at age 84, inspiring lifelong learning globally. Chef Maliha Mohammed of Mombasa attempted the longest continuous cooking marathon at over 90 hours but was disqualified for a procedural error. Table tennis expert Alikhan Kazia holds three records in ball control and trick-shot precision, while Joseph Love once hand-milked 531 liters of milk in 24 hours.

These achievements show the wide range of Kenyan talent, from sports and activism to precision, education, and endurance. Each record adds to Kenya’s growing presence in Guinness World Records, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions with determination, courage, and creativity.