NAIROBI, Kenya, July 24 – Kenya’s ambitious plan to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 is set to receive a significant boost this weekend as the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Kenya Scouts Association (KSA) join forces for a Guinness World Records attempt that combines environmental conservation with national climate action.
The record attempt, scheduled for Sunday, July 26, at the Jomvu Mangrove Ecosystem in Mombasa County, will bring together 5,000 participants in an effort to set the Guinness World Record for the “Most people planting mangrove trees simultaneously.”
The event coincides with the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, observed annually on July 26 under the 2026 theme, “Healthy Mangroves for Sustainable Blue Economy and Climate Resilience.”
While the world record bid is expected to draw global attention, the Kenya Forest Service says its greatest value lies in advancing the country’s long-term environmental restoration agenda.
According to KFS, the initiative has been designed to strengthen the conservation, protection and sustainable management of Kenya’s mangrove ecosystems while directly supporting the Presidential directive to grow 15 billion trees on 10.6 million hectares by 2032 and achieve 30 per cent national tree cover.
Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko says the initiative demonstrates how national environmental goals can be advanced through partnerships that inspire public participation.
“This world record attempt is designed to enhance the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of Kenya’s vital mangrove ecosystems, safeguard coastal community livelihoods, and directly support the Presidential directive to grow 15 billion trees by 2032, propelling the nation toward a 30% national tree cover goal.”
Mangroves are among the country’s most valuable coastal ecosystems because of their contribution to carbon sequestration, climate resilience and the livelihoods of communities that depend on the blue economy.
Lemarkoko says the initiative goes beyond breaking records by creating lasting environmental benefits.
“Beyond securing a spot in global history, this initiative represents a critical stride toward environmental sustainability and, more specifically, the conservation of mangrove ecosystems, which are critical for enhanced carbon sequestration and the sustenance of community livelihoods, especially in the blue economy.”
To ensure the exercise meets international standards, the Kenya Forest Service has assumed the lead technical and coordination role for the event.
The agency has deployed two independent witnesses and 50 stewards who will oversee participant groups and ensure the record attempt complies with the strict verification requirements set by Guinness World Records.
Preparations have also included technical mapping, site readiness, volunteer coordination and continuous engagement with Guinness World Records adjudicators, independent witnesses and local community stakeholders.
The Kenya Forest Service says the event presents a unique opportunity to showcase Kenya’s leadership in forest landscape restoration and climate action while demonstrating how collaborative conservation initiatives can contribute to national development priorities.
Should the attempt succeed, Kenya will not only earn global recognition but also reinforce its commitment to restoring critical coastal ecosystems and delivering on one of the country’s most ambitious environmental targets.
