The most recent Kenyan to be inducted into the Guinness World Records is Truphena Muthoni, who joins an incredible group of Kenyan athletes, educators, inventors, and ordinary heroes.
One of the most reputable record-keeping organizations in the world has confirmed and documented their astounding accomplishments.Truphena Muthoni, a Kenyan environmental activist, broke her own previous record of 48 hours by running the world’s longest marathon while hugging a tree for 72 hours straight on Monday, January 26, 2026, according to Guinness World Records. Her accomplishment made headlines worldwide for her endurance and environmental activism.
However, Muthoni is just the most recent Kenyan to be listed in the Guinness World Records, joining an incredible group of athletes, educators, inventors, and common heroes whose astonishing accomplishments have been confirmed and documented by one of the mos reputable organizations that keep records.
This article examines their identities, how they set records, and the significance of Guinness World Records for Kenya’s international and cultural identity.
Describe Guinness World Records.
A global authority on human achievements and nature extremes, Guinness World Records (GWR) records everything from endurance and special abilities to firsts in science, sports, and culture.
Before being approved and included in the most renowned record book in the world, records must pass stringent verification standards that include time, official witnesses, evidence, and unambiguous documentation.
The organization celebrates the diversity of human potential on every continent by publishing a book every year and keeping an online database.
Truphena Muthoni, a 22-year-old environmental activist from Mathira, Nyeri County, gained international notice for her incredible act of perseverance: she hugged a tree nonstop for 72 hours as a symbolic protest for environmental preservation.
Her adventure started in early 2025 when she surpassed previous attempts by competitors from other nations by hugging a tree for 48 hours at Michuki Memorial Park in Nairobi, setting a new world record.
Muthoni pushed the limit further between December 8 and 11, 2025, at the Nyeri Governor’s Office grounds, where he spent three full days clinging to an indigenous tree despite hunger, exhaustion, hot days, and chilly nights.
As needed for GWR verification, observers observed her suffer in a display that was recorded by high-definition cameras.
For Muthoni, breaking a record wasn’t the only goal of the act. It was an appeal to preserve forests, respect indigenous knowledge systems, and increase awareness of the psychological and emotional advantages of reestablishing a connection with nature, she said.
Environmental organizations and public figures, including as President William Ruto, who later designated her as an ambassador for Kenya’s 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, acknowledged and applauded her accomplishment.
Guinness World Records recognized this remarkable under-two-hour marathon time as the first marathon distance raced under two hours, even though it is not recognized as an official World Athletics world record due to pace and conditions outside of conventional competition standards.
Kelvin’s record is first and foremost a World Athletics–ratified marathon world record, but it is frequently referenced and celebrated in Guinness World Records summaries of extraordinary athletic achievements (because Guinness documents world-record performances across disciplines).
Tragically, Kiptum died in a car accident in February 2024 — shortly after his historic marathon achievements had been confirmed.
Rudisha achieved the quickest time in the event’s history, and this incredible accomplishment is listed in international record books, including as Guinness’s listings of record feats across disciplines.
Rudisha’s achievement was a landmark in athletics and a highlight of Kenya’s sporting heritage due to his seamless pacing and strategic brilliance.
With a time of 3:48.68 in the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, USA, in 2025, she became the first woman to run the 1500 meters in less than 3 minutes 49 seconds, earning her a spot in the Guinness World Records.
She has won numerous world and Olympic medals thanks to her incredible blend of speed, stamina, and tactical racing, and her Guinness-recognized record is proof of her exceptional athleticism.
With a world record time of 28:54.14 set on May 25, 2024, in Eugene, Oregon, USA, she also owns the record for the fastest run in the women’s 10,000 meters. She became the first female athlete to complete the 10,000 meters in less than 29 minutes as a result.
One of the most inspiring stories in Kenya’s Guinness World Records collection is that of Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge, who entered primary school at the age of 84 in 2004 — making him the oldest person to start primary education.
Maruge enrolled at Kapkenduiywo Primary School, Eldoret, after Kenya introduced free primary education. His participation became a global symbol of lifelong learning and educational access, so profound that he later addressed the United Nations on the importance of education for all.
Her perseverance in the kitchen demonstrates the variety of ability reflected in Guinness World Records and shows that exceptional human achievement may take many different forms.
Maliha broke her 2019 record of 90 hours and 15 minutes by successfully reaching the 150-hour milestone.
Maliha celebrated her accomplishment, however the Guinness World Records (GWR) did not formally recognize her.
Chef Maliha said on Instagram that she made a mistake based on the information she received from GWR regarding her disqualification.
She said that because she had broken some rules, she had been disqualified.Hello everyone. I regret to notify my loved ones, friends, admirers, sponsors, followers, and everyone else who supported and loved me during the November culinary marathon,” she stated.
Her tenacity in the kitchen illustrates the range of skills represented in Guinness World Records and shows that extraordinary human achievement may take many different shapes.
Maliha accomplished the 150-hour mark, surpassing her 2019 record of 90 hours and 15 minutes.
Although Maliha celebrated her achievement, she was not officially recognized by the Guinness World Records (GWR).
Based on the information she obtained from GWR about her disqualification, Chef Maliha said on Instagram that she made a mistake.
She claimed to have been disqualified for violating certain guidelines.Hi everyone. I am sorry to inform my friends, family, fans, sponsors, followers, and everyone else who helped and encouraged me over the November culinary marathon,” she said.
“We appreciate this is disappointing news to receive but hope it does not deter you from any future record,” they continued.
In a completely unrelated field, Alikhan Kazia is the owner of three Guinness World Records in table tennis skill challenges, including records for one-minute trick shot accuracy and ping pong ball control.
On August 25, 1992, he broke the record for the most milk milked by hand in a single day. During that time, Joseph Lov of the Kilifi Plantation Limited hand-milked 531 litres of milk from 30 cows, a feat that was officially recognised as a world record at the time.
This record, which is among Kenya’s initial submissions in the Guinness World Records, demonstrated incredible endurance and accuracy.
As Kenya continues to produce record breakers across fields, the presence of its citizens in the Guinness World Records grows. Each new entry — like Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hugging marathon — adds to a legacy that motivates young Kenyans to pursue their passions with purpose, courage and creativity.
Whether on the race track, in classrooms, at communal kitchens, or beneath the branches of a tree, Kenyan achievers are proving that the bounds of human possibility are only limited by imagination and determination.
