MOMBASA, Kenya — Kenya is set to attempt a Guinness World Record by mobilising 5,000 people to plant mangrove trees simultaneously in Mombasa County, in what is expected to become one of the country’s largest coordinated coastal conservation exercises.
The record attempt, scheduled for July 26 at the Jomvu Mangrove Ecosystem, is being spearheaded by the Kenya Scouts Association (KSA) in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) under the official Guinness World Records category of “Most people planting mangrove trees simultaneously.”
The event coincides with the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, observed annually on July 26 to raise awareness about the critical role mangrove forests play in protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity and sustaining coastal livelihoods.
This year’s global theme is “Healthy Mangroves for Sustainable Blue Economy and Climate Resilience.”
Kenya Forest Service said the initiative goes beyond setting a world record and is intended to accelerate mangrove restoration while contributing to the country’s ambitious environmental targets.
According to KFS, the exercise supports President William Ruto’s national tree-growing programme, which aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 and increase Kenya’s tree cover to 30 per cent.
The agency said restored mangrove forests will strengthen climate resilience, protect fragile coastal ecosystems and improve the livelihoods of communities that depend on marine resources.
To ensure the attempt meets the strict standards required by Guinness World Records, the Kenya Forest Service has taken the lead in providing technical expertise and coordinating preparations alongside the Kenya Scouts Association.
KFS will deploy two independent witnesses and 50 stewards to oversee the exercise, monitor participant groups and provide the documentation and verification required under Guinness World Records guidelines.
Preparations have also included site mapping, logistical planning, volunteer mobilisation and consultations with Guinness World Records officials and local community stakeholders to ensure the event meets international verification standards.
Officials say the record attempt presents Kenya with an opportunity to demonstrate global leadership in ecosystem restoration while highlighting the importance of conserving mangrove forests in the face of climate change.
Mangroves Key to Kenya’s Blue Economy
Mangrove forests are among the world’s most productive coastal ecosystems. They protect shorelines from erosion, serve as breeding grounds for fish and other marine life, absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and support thousands of households that depend on fishing and other marine-based livelihoods.
Kenya’s mangrove forests are concentrated along the coastline in Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale counties. However, years of degradation caused by overharvesting, pollution, land-use changes and climate change have prompted increased restoration efforts by government agencies, conservation organisations and local communities.
Environmental experts say restoring mangrove ecosystems is critical to strengthening Kenya’s Blue Economy, enhancing climate resilience and safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.
