NAIROBI, Kenya — Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott has been appointed an ambassador for the 15 Billion Trees Campaign, in a move aimed at accelerating the country’s forest restoration efforts.
The appointment was announced by Forestry Principal Secretary, Gitonga Mugambi.
It follows Kibiwott’s remarkable display of physical endurance and environmental commitment, which marks a defining moment for Kenya’s restoration agenda.
The young environmentalist recently completed the planting of 23,326 trees within 24 hours—an achievement pending confirmation by Guinness World Records.
Speaking after witnessing the final stretch of the feat, Mugambi praised Kibiwott’s dedication:
“I saw a determined, focused, and selfless young man committed to restoring forests in Kaptagat and beyond,” he said.
Mugambi added that the same resolve was evident during a meeting at the State Department for Forestry in Nairobi.
“He told me, ‘the momentum is unstoppable.’”
The Principal Secretary noted that the pace and scale of the tree-planting effort send a clear message about the urgency of environmental restoration.
“We do not have the luxury of time. We must move with urgency to restore our forests.”
Kibiwott’s appointment as ambassador for the 15 Billion Trees Campaign is expected to be the first of many recognitions for his efforts to champion environmental conservation.
“Hillary, you have our full support as you mobilise young people across all 47 counties to drive rapid forest restoration,” Mugambi said.
