-
Menengai High School Mathematics and Physics teacher Fenwick Maloba has set a new Guinness World Record after conducting a continuous 45-hour Mathematics lesson, surpassing the previous record of 31 hours, 42 minutes and 54 seconds.
-
The Nakuru-based educator used the marathon, themed “Maths is not a monster; it’s a marathon,” to inspire learners to overcome fear of Mathematics.
A Mathematics and Physics teacher at Menengai High School in Nakuru County has etched his name into the history books after completing a remarkable 45-hour non-stop Mathematics lesson, breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous Mathematics class.
Fenwick Maloba, 35, surpassed the previous record of 31 hours, 42 minutes and 54 seconds, which had been set in April 2025 by Nigerian student Sanusi Kazeem. Rather than stopping after eclipsing the existing mark, Maloba continued teaching for an additional 13 hours, setting a formidable new benchmark that now awaits official ratification by Guinness World Records.
The record attempt began at exactly 8:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Menengai Senior School under the theme, “Maths is not a monster; it’s a marathon.” The event was livestreamed to audiences across Kenya and internationally, attracting support from educators, students and Mathematics enthusiasts eager to witness the historic feat.
For nearly two days, Maloba stood before rotating groups of learners, guiding them through complex mathematical concepts while adhering to the strict regulations governing Guinness World Records attempts.
Whiteboards covered in algebraic equations, geometry diagrams and calculus problems transformed the classroom into a global stage as official timekeepers, independent witnesses and cameras documented every moment.
Throughout the marathon, Maloba covered a broad spectrum of topics from Kenya’s secondary school Mathematics curriculum, including Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability and Statistics.
To comply with Guinness requirements, at least ten students remained in attendance throughout the lesson, with learners rotating in shifts. Two independent witnesses monitored the attempt while continuous video recording ensured every minute was documented.
ALSO READ:
Sossion: School discipline is a shared responsibility, not principals’ burden alone
The challenge also demanded exceptional physical and mental endurance. Under Guinness rules, Maloba was entitled to only five minutes of rest after every hour of teaching. He strategically accumulated these breaks into 20-minute intervals after every four-hour teaching block before returning to the classroom.
Speaking after completing the marathon, Maloba said the achievement was inspired by his own difficult journey with Mathematics.
He disclosed that he once struggled immensely in the subject, scoring an E grade in his mock examinations, a result that nearly shattered his dream of joining university.
Refusing to give up, he immersed himself in solving more than 6,000 Mathematics questions in the month leading up to the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
His determination paid off as he eventually earned a straight A in Mathematics.
That transformation, he said, became the foundation of his mission to help students overcome fear of the subject.
“If I can teach Mathematics for 45 hours straight, anyone can learn it for life,” Maloba said.
The educator, an alumnus of the University of Eldoret and a registered teacher with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), had initially planned to undertake the record attempt in January this year. However, the exercise was postponed after delays in obtaining mandatory clearance from the Ministry of Education.
With all approvals eventually secured, Maloba expressed confidence before embarking on the challenge, noting that every procedural requirement had been met.
“This time, everything is in place, and all the documentation has been submitted,” he said ahead of the record attempt.
Beyond breaking a global record, Maloba hopes the marathon will transform perceptions of Mathematics among Kenyan learners, many of whom view the subject as one of the most difficult in school.
He believes Mathematics remains a gateway to careers in engineering, medicine, technology and other science-based professions, and wants his achievement to encourage students to embrace the subject with confidence rather than fear.
Education stakeholders who followed the marathon hailed the accomplishment as both an extraordinary display of endurance and an innovative campaign to promote Mathematics education.
If officially ratified by Guinness World Records, Maloba’s 45-hour lesson will not only secure him a place in the global record books but also position Kenya at the forefront of innovative educational achievements, reinforcing the message that persistence, discipline and passion can transform both lives and learning.
By Juma Ndigo
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
