History is calling, and one Kenyan teacher is answering. Fenwick Maloba is set to attempt a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon Mathematics lesson (Individual) of 45 hours.
The record-breaking attempt, themed Maths is not a monster—it’s a marathon, is set to starton Friday, January 30 at 8 am at Menengai High School in Nakuru.
In a post on Facebook, Maloba said the marathon lesson is designed to demonstrate that with persistence, anyone can master Mathematics.
“If I can teach it for 45 hours straight, anyone can learn it for life,” Maloba said.
Members of the public are invited to witness the event in person at Menengai High School or follow the marathon live on YouTube.
“I invite you to come and witness this journey in person at the venue or follow the action live from anywhere in the world on YouTube here,” Maloba said.
The live stream can be accessed here.
Maloba’s record attempt will put Nakuru and Kenya on the global stage, highlighting not only endurance but also innovation in education.
He urged supporters to join in-person or online and to send encouragement and prayers to sustain him through the grueling challenge.
“Let’s put Nakuru and Kenya on the global map. Your support and prayers will keep me going through the night!” the ambitious teacher said.
Maloba’s announcement comes days after Guinness World Records recognised Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hugging world record.
In a statement on Monday, January 26, Guinness World Records described Muthoni’s feat as an act by a “passionate environmental activist from Kenya sending a strong message about protecting the earth after hugging a tree for three whole days.”
“Truphena Muthoni has set the record for longest marathon hugging a tree with an unbelievable total of 72 hours,” Guinness World Records said.
“The record was first broken in 2024 by Faith Ariokot (Uganda) with a time of 16 hours six seconds.”
Abdul Awal (Ghana) broke it in 2024 with 24 hours, 21 minute, four seconds and Truphena first came along in February last year to take the title after setting a new 48-hour record.
Frederick Boakye (Ghana) very briefly held the record with a time of 50 hours 2 min 28 sec before Truphena took it back with her record-shattering time.
22-year-old Truphena, who has founded her own initiative called Hug the Earth, told Guinness that the first attempt was for introducing humanity, while the second one was commitment.
“The first attempt was a statement, a way to reintroduce humanity to the earth through a simple, intimate act,” Truphena told Guinness.
“The second attempt was a commitment. I realised that the world needed more than symbolism; it needed endurance, consistency and proof that care for the planet is not momentary. Doing it twice was my way of saying that climate action is not a one-off event but a sustained responsibility.”
by SHARON MWENDE
