A continuous 24-hour environmental marathon at Tudor Creek has placed Kenya at the centre of global restoration efforts after Canadian environmental champion Antoine Moses completed a record-breaking mangrove planting exercise in Mombasa County.
He began the planting on Thursday, 30 April 2026, at exactly 08:01 a.m. and concluded on Friday, 1 May 2026, at 08:01 a.m., after planting 47,460 mangrove propagules at Mirarani in Tudor Creek.
Principal Secretary for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi has called on Kenyans to actively join the national tree growing campaign following the milestone achievement.
Mugambi made the remarks after the 24-hour feat, which was witnessed by government officials, conservation groups and local residents.
He said the achievement should motivate citizens to participate in environmental restoration efforts within their own communities.
“This initiative is aligned with the President’s call to restore degraded ecosystems through the 15 billion tree growing,” said Mugambi.
He added that Antoine’s determination demonstrates how individual action can create global impact.
“This is more than a record attempt; it is a powerful signal that what once seemed impossible is achievable,” he said.
The PS noted that mangrove planting requires unusual resilience due to harsh working conditions involving shifting tides, waterlogged terrain and extended physical endurance.
He said this is why the successful challenge deserves recognition both locally and internationally.
Mugambi further described mangroves as the backbone of Kenya’s Blue Economy, noting that they support fisheries, tourism, biodiversity conservation and shoreline protection.
He warned that destruction of mangrove forests would expose coastal communities to erosion, declining fish stocks and increased climate risks.
The Forestry PS also praised local communities who turned up to support the exercise, saying their participation shows that restoration efforts are most effective when communities take ownership.
He commended the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, EarthLungs and other partners for coordinating the milestone initiative.
Mugambi said Kenya’s 15 billion trees target is achievable if citizens, institutions and development partners work together consistently and deliberately.
He invited Antoine Moses to continue exploring Kenya and experiencing the country’s hospitality following the successful challenge.
The latest record has attracted global attention, with Guinness World Records continuing to review submissions from major tree planting attempts around the world.
For Kenya, Mugambi said the Tudor Creek achievement is not just about numbers, but about restoring hope for nature and future generations.
