Kenyan Environmentalist Hillary ‘Buzeki’ Kibiwott Rushed to Hospital After Planting 23,326 Trees in 24-Hour
Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott, popularly known as Buzeki, a dedicated environmentalist from Elgeyo Marakwet County, was rushed to hospital shortly after completing an intense 24-hour attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the most trees planted by one person in a single day.
Working at Kessup Forest, he managed to plant 23,326 tree seedlings within the 24-hour period that ended on April 23, 2026. Although he fell just short of his target of 24,000 trees, the effort surpassed the existing world record of 23,060 trees set by a Canadian planter, marking a remarkable personal achievement for Kenya’s environmental movement.
The non-stop planting marathon demanded enormous physical endurance, with Kibiwott working almost without rest to dig holes, position seedlings, and cover them with soil at a rapid pace. Supporters, local leaders, and residents gathered at the site to cheer him on throughout the challenge. By the time he finished, signs of severe exhaustion and possible dehydration or strain had become evident, prompting immediate medical attention. He was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment, where doctors are monitoring his condition following the gruelling activity.
Kibiwott’s attempt has drawn widespread admiration across the country for highlighting the urgent need to restore Kenya’s forests and combat climate change. Kessup Forest, already an important ecological area, benefited directly from the thousands of new trees added in just one day. Environmental groups and forestry officials have praised the initiative as a powerful example of individual commitment to conservation, even if official Guinness verification is still pending for the exact count and rules compliance.
This development has sparked conversations about the physical limits of such ambitious environmental campaigns and the importance of proper preparation and support for participants. While Kibiwott recovers, many Kenyans hope his effort will inspire more people, especially the youth, to take part in tree planting activities on a regular basis. His determination has once again placed the spotlight on forest restoration as a key part of Kenya’s response to environmental challenges, showing that one person’s hard work can contribute meaningfully to a greener future.
