Kenyan Teacher Aims 45-Hour Maths Marathon to Break Record

• Jan 28, 2026

A Kenyan teacher is preparing to attempt a 45-hour continuous mathematics lesson, aiming to break the current Guinness World Record of just over 31 hours.

Fenwick Maloba will lead the marathon session at Menengai High School in Nakuru, starting Friday, January 30, at 8:00 am. His effort, themed “Maths is not a monster, it’s a marathon,” is intended to demonstrate that mathematics can be mastered with patience and determination.

“If I can teach it for 45 hours straight, anyone can learn it for life,” Maloba said in a Facebook post, inviting the public to watch in person or follow the live stream on YouTube. He added that public support and encouragement will be vital to help him stay motivated, especially during the night.

Maloba aims to surpass the current record of 31 hours, 42 minutes, and 54 seconds, set by Sanusi Kazeem in Ilorin, Nigeria, on April 12, 2025. Guinness World Records sets strict rules for marathon attempts, including allowing five-minute breaks for every completed hour. Breaks can be accumulated and used at intervals, but continuous documentation and independent verification are mandatory. Minute-by-minute logs and video evidence must be submitted for official certification.

The planned 45-hour session will test both Maloba’s stamina and his ability to engage students for extended periods. He hopes the challenge will inspire learners to see mathematics as approachable and encourage other educators to push boundaries in teaching.

This attempt comes shortly after Kenyan environmentalist Truphena Muthoni set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon tree hug. Muthoni spent 72 hours hugging a tree in Nyeri from December 8 to 11, surpassing her previous record of 48 hours. Her effort aimed to raise awareness on forest conservation, climate action, and mental health, gaining recognition both locally and internationally.

Maloba’s marathon maths session highlights Kenya’s growing presence in global record attempts while emphasizing education, perseverance, and public engagement. Members of the public are encouraged to attend or follow the live stream, offering support and witnessing the record attempt firsthand.

If successful, Maloba will not only set a new world record but also draw attention to the importance of sustained focus, discipline, and passion in learning mathematics