Kenyan scouts rally 5,000 participants for global mangrove planting record
By Francis Muli, July 24, 2026Kenya is set to make global environmental history this weekend as 5,000 participants converge at the Jomvu Mangrove Ecosystem in Mombasa County for an ambitious Guinness World Records attempt aimed at restoring one of the country’s most valuable coastal ecosystems.
The challenge, organised by the Kenya Scouts Association (KSA) in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), seeks to set a new world record under the official Guinness World Records category of “Most people planting mangrove trees simultaneously.”
The event will take place on Sunday, July 26, 2026, coinciding with the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, whose 2026 theme is “Healthy Mangroves for Sustainable Blue Economy and Climate Resilience.”
While the record attempt is expected to place Kenya on the global stage, organisers say the initiative is primarily about restoring degraded mangrove ecosystems and strengthening climate resilience.
The Kenya Forest Service says the exercise supports the conservation, protection and sustainable management of mangrove forests, which play a critical role in carbon sequestration while supporting livelihoods that depend on the country’s blue economy.
Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko says the significance of the exercise extends far beyond the pursuit of a world record.
“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,” Lemarkoko says.
The initiative also aligns with the Government’s environmental agenda, including the Presidential directive to grow 15 billion trees on 10.6 million hectares by 2032 as Kenya works towards attaining 30 per cent national tree cover.
Recognising the scale of the undertaking, the Kenya Forest Service has assumed the lead technical and coordination role to ensure both ecological success and compliance with the stringent verification standards required by Guinness World Records.
To support the verification process, KFS will deploy two independent witnesses and 50 stewards who will provide impartial oversight, monitor participant groups and prepare the documentation required by Guinness World Records adjudicators.
Preparations have included technical mapping of the planting site, volunteer mobilisation, site readiness and continuous engagement with Guinness World Records officials, independent witnesses and local community stakeholders.
According to KFS, the event presents an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s leadership in forest landscape restoration, climate action and environmental stewardship while demonstrating that large-scale conservation initiatives can deliver lasting ecological and social benefits.
If successful, the exercise will not only secure a place in the Guinness World Records but also reinforce Kenya’s commitment to protecting its mangrove ecosystems, strengthening coastal livelihoods and advancing sustainable environmental management for future generations.