Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott is a Kenyan environmentalist from Elgeyo-Marakwet County who embarked on an ambitious attempt to set a Guinness World Record title for the most trees planted in 24 hours.
He aimed to plant at least 24,000 tree seedlings within a single day on a 30.15-hectare site at Kessup Forest Station in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
In conclusion to his attempt on April 23, Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott planted 23,326 trees in 24 hours, falling just short of his 24,000-target goal but successfully surpassing the previous Guinness World Record of 23,060 trees set in 2021 by Canada’s Antoine Moses.
His attempt attracted the attention of Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, and Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko.
Hillary Kiplagat’s Passion for Environment
Hillary is the Co-Founder of Green Earth Ambassadors Foundation, a youth-led environmental organization dedicated to restoring Kenya’s degraded ecosystems through large-scale tree planting and community engagement.
His vision goes beyond breaking records. He focuses on bringing communities together to plant, nurture, and protect trees as a long-term commitment to future generations.
In his quest, he stresses that each tree planted represents hope, responsibility, and collective action toward environmental restoration.
Also Read: World Record Bid as Kenyan Environmentalist Takes on 24,000-Tree Planting Marathon
He aims to inspire a broader movement that mobilizes young people to take leadership roles in environmental stewardship and demonstrates how coordinated climate initiatives can create measurable global impact.
Hillary believes that consistent, small-scale efforts such as tree planting can help restore ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and transform communities.
He currently serves as a Youth Coordinator at the Regional Center of Expertise, a role he has held since 2022.
Also Read: Truphena Muthoni: Profile of Kenyan Environmentalist Who Hugged a Tree for 72 Hours
Educational Background
Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott studied at the University of Eldoret, where he earned a Certificate in Environmental Impact Assessment in 2021.
He has also studied Disaster Management at the Technical University of Kenya, with a focus on crisis and emergency management.
For his high school, Kibiwott attended Moi Forces Boys High School Nairobi, where he completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
About Green Earth Ambassadors
The Green Earth Ambassadors is an initiative that seeks to mobilize communities, youth, and organizations to plant and nurture trees, restore degraded landscapes, and champion climate action for a greener, more sustainable future in Kenya and beyond.
What they do:
