From extraordinary athletic feats to unique events and occurrences, Kenya has firmly established its place on the global stage with a series of record-breaking achievements. The nation has set remarkable records across various domains, demonstrating its exceptional capabilities and reinforcing its influence in the world of achievements.
Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge
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Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge was arguably the most deserving of his Guinness World Records, gaining international recognition as the world’s oldest person to start primary school. Born in 1920, Maruge enrolled in the Standard One in 2004 at the age of 84 at the Kapkenduiyo Primary School in Eldoret.
His decision to go to school was inspired by Kenya’s introduction of free primary education in 2003. Despite his age, Maruge was determined to learn to read and write, primarily so he could read the Bible and understand written communication better.
Maruge’s story became a symbol of perseverance and the value of education, and was adapted in the 2010 film ‘The First Grader’, which dramatizes his life and experiences. Maruge tragically passed away in 2009 at the age of 89, but his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.
Maliha Mohammed
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Maliha Mohammed is a Kenyan chef who gained fame for setting a Guinness World Record for the longest time spent cooking continuously. She first broke the record in 2019 when she cooked for 75 hours non-stop. Maliha’s achievement was celebrated as a significant feat, showcasing her dedication and passion for cooking.
In 2023, she aimed to break her own record by attempting to cook for 90 hours, which was successful, earning her a new title in the Guinness World Records. Her cooking marathons involved preparing hundreds of different dishes, demonstrating her culinary skills and endurance. Maliha Mohammed’s achievements have brought her widespread recognition, and inspired aspiring chefs to venture into the industry.
Eliud Kipchoge: Fastest marathon distance
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Remarkably one of the greatest marathoners of all time, Eliud Kipchoge has cemented his legacy with his achievements which include setting a Guinness World Record.
Kipchoge made history on October 12, 2019, by becoming the first person to run a marathon distance of 42 kilometers in under two hours. In a record 1:59:40 during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria, he defied the limits of human endurance and accomplished what was deemed impossible.
Although this extraordinary feat was not recognized as an official world record by World Athletics due to the controlled conditions (such as pacemakers and other support), it earned Kipchoge a place in the Guinness World Records for “Fastest marathon distance (male).”
Kipchoge also holds the official marathon world record, which he set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:01:09. His achievements have made him an iconic figure in the world of athletics and an inspiration to millions.
Kenya’s Record-Breaking Bird Count in 24 Hours
In 1986, Kenya earned a Guinness World Record for the “Greatest Number of Bird Species Seen in a Single Country in 24 Hours.” This record was achieved during a birdwatching event called the ‘Birds of Kenya 24-hour Bird Count’, organized by the East Africa Natural History Society (now Nature Kenya).
The bird count took place on November 30, 1986, and involved teams of ornithologists and bird enthusiasts who scoured various habitats across Kenya, from forests and wetlands to savannas and coastlines, to record as many bird species as possible within a 24-hour period.
The teams documented an impressive 342 different bird species, setting a world record for the highest number of bird species observed in one country within a single day.
This achievement highlighted Kenya’s rich biodiversity and the country’s importance as a key location for birdwatching and wildlife conservation.
Largest desert lake
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Nestled in the captivating landscapes of Northwest Kenya, Lake Turkana stands as a true marvel of nature with its sapphire blue waters, proudly claiming the title of the largest desert lake in the world. It is also the world’s largest alkaline lake.
Lake Turkana, in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya, has a surface area of 6,405 km2 and an average depth of 30.2 m.
It is the fourth largest salt lake in the world and is fed by the Omo, Turkwel and Kerio rivers. There is no outflow from Lake Turkana and the only method of water loss is by evaporation.
Alikhan Kazia
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Alikhan Kazia is a Kenyan table tennis player who holds three Guinness World Records. He has achieved remarkable success in various ping pong ball challenges, demonstrating his exceptional skills.
He notably holds the record for the most ping pong balls bounced into a cup in one minute, reflecting his outstanding hand-eye coordination and precision. Additionally, his agility and speed have earned him the record for the fastest time to bounce ping pong balls into five cups individually.
Alikhan then showcased his finesse in table tennis by setting the record for the most table tennis serves accurately landing into a cup within one minute. These accomplishments highlight his expertise and dedication to the sport of table tennis.
Joseph Love
In 1992, Joseph Love, a distinguished figure from Kilifi Plantations Limited, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first person to set a world record for hand-milking an exceptionally large quantity of milk.
Over a challenging 24-hour span, Mr. Love showcased his exceptional skill and dedication by hand-milking an impressive 531 liters of milk from a herd of 30 cows.
Most consecutive wins of the IAAF World Cross Country Championships by a country
Kenyan runners have made a significant impact in cross-country championships, setting impressive Guinness World Records and leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Kenya currently holds the record for the most consecutive victories in the senior women’s category at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, with Kenyan athletes dominating the event from 2009 to 2019.
The title was secured by remarkable individuals such as Florence Jebet Kiplagat in 2009, Emily Chebet in 2010 and 2013, Vivian Jepkemoi Cheruiyot in 2011, Agnes Jebet Tirop in 2015, Irene Cheptai in 2017, and Hellen Obiri in 2019.
Other notable Guinness World Records held by Kenya include the most female team wins at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, the highest number of marathon World Major points in a season by a male, and the fastest 10-kilometer road run by a male.
