Cheers and celebration marked the end of a historic 24-hour planting challenge at Tudor Creek, which concluded at exactly 08:01 a.m., after Canadian environmental champion Antoine Moses set a new benchmark in Kenya by planting 47,460 mangrove propagules at Mirarani in Mombasa County.
Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi praised the achievement, congratulated Moses on the feat pending ratification and urged Kenyans to embrace restoration efforts across the country.
He said the initiative strongly aligns with President William Ruto’s ambitious 15-billion-tree-growing programme aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems by 2032.
Antoine Moses Sets Historic Mangrove Record in Kenya as PS Gitonga Hails Feat
The PS noted that mangrove restoration remains one of the most difficult forms of ecological recovery because of the harsh terrain involved.
“Planting mangroves is among the toughest forms of restoration, done in shifting tides, deep mud and demanding conditions. So when Antoine Moses took on the challenge of planting 40,000 propagules in 24 hours, we pause and say pongezi,” he said.
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Mugambi described the feat as more than a world record attempt, saying it demonstrates that bold environmental goals can be achieved through dedication and partnerships.
“This is more than a record attempt. It is a powerful signal that what once seemed impossible is achievable,” he added.
He further said mangroves remain central to Kenya’s Blue Economy due to their role in shoreline protection, fisheries support, carbon storage and tourism potential.
The PS also invited Antoine to tour Kenya and enjoy its hospitality, saying the country remains open to global partnerships that promote sustainability and nature recovery.
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Antoine’s successful attempt drew support from the Kenya Forest Service, the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, EarthLungs, conservation groups and local communities who worked around the clock to support the mission.
The event also came amid heightened global interest, as Guinness World Records reviews a separate attempt by Kenyan environmentalist Hillary Kibiwott to break Antoine’s previous land-based tree planting record.
