Kenyan Chef Targets Guinness World Record

Kenyan chef Yusuf Ali Garani has completed a 100-hour home kitchen cooking marathon in Utange, Mombasa County, potentially setting a new Guinness World Record pending official verification.

The current record for the longest individual cooking session in a home kitchen stands at 68 hours, 30 minutes, and one second, set by Rickey Lumpkin of the United States in 2018. Garani’s attempt concluded on the evening of 7 October 2025 and now enters the verification process with Guinness World Records.

Garani, known professionally as Chef Yusuf, previously participated as a sous-chef in two record attempts led by fellow Kenyan chef Maliha Mohamed. Encouraged by these experiences and the support of his late mother, he submitted his application to Guinness in May 2025. After receiving confirmation, he began preparations for the challenge. 

The cooking marathon began on 5 September under strict guidelines set by Guinness. These included a maximum rest allowance of five minutes per hour, which could be accumulated into one hour of rest every 12 hours. The entire attempt was monitored to ensure compliance, with timekeeper Ken Kimweli, who has experience in past record attempts, overseeing the process. 

“The rules are very strict, and we have been following them to ensure the recording of the attempt is not interfered with,” Kimweli said.

Due to the high cost of bringing in an official Guinness observer, estimated at over Sh1.6 million, not including travel and accommodation, Garani’s team relied on continuous video documentation and independent witnesses approved in advance. 

This alternative method often extends the verification period and requires detailed record-keeping. Chef Mohamed noted that many attempts fail due to documentation errors or non-compliance with timekeeping rules.

Throughout the 100 hours, Garani prepared a wide variety of dishes rooted in Swahili cuisine. Meals such as pilau, biryani, and ugali with chicken were carefully weighed, recorded, and served to supporters. A rotating team of sous-chefs, led by Sarah Wanjiru, worked in shifts to support the effort. 

“We had to sacrifice and take up the challenge,” Wanjiru said.

The cooking marathon held personal significance for Garani, who dedicated the attempt to his late mother. His sister, Nassir Salim, expressed pride in his achievement, saying, “Our mum would be so proud of him since he inherited all the culinary skills from her.”

Despite limited funding, the event was supported by volunteers, friends, and members of the local community. With no corporate sponsorship or institutional support, the team relied heavily on public contributions and in-kind support to meet logistical needs, including food supplies and equipment.

Garani is now focused on compiling and submitting the required documentation to Guinness World Records. If approved, the achievement would mark a milestone for Kenya’s culinary sector and expand the country’s international recognition beyond its established reputation in athletics.