A Nakuru-based teacher is set to take on a remarkable challenge this weekend, aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the longest individual Mathematics lesson, which currently stands at just over 31 hours.
Fenwick Maloba, a Mathematics teacher at Menengai High School in Nakuru City, plans to teach continuously for 45 hours, using different groups of students.
The record-breaking attempt is set to start on Friday, January 30, at 8am at the school located in Nakuru East Constituency.
To etch his name in the record book, Maloba will need to surpass the current longest Mathematics lesson record of 31 hours, 42 minutes and 54 seconds, set by Sanusi Kazeem in Ilorin, Nigeria, on April 12, 2025.
Fenwick Maloba, a teacher at Menengai High School, holding one of the books he will use during his attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon mathematics lesson of 45 hours. He will start the challenge on Friday at 8am.
Photo credit: Mercy Koskei|Nation Media Group
The 72-hour attempt that took place in Nyeri from December 8–11 broke her own previous record of 48 hours set earlier this year.
According to Maloba, who has been a tutor at the institution for the past six years teaching Mathematics and Physics, the initiative, dubbed “Maths is not a monster, it is a marathon,” is aimed at promoting the subject, inspiring learners to excel in it and challenging long-held perceptions that it is difficult, intimidating or only meant for a few gifted learners.
Instead, Mr Maloba hopes to demonstrate that with commitment, innovation and the right attitude, Mathematics can be accessible, engaging and even enjoyable.
“If I can teach it for 45 hours straight, anyone can learn it for life. Let us put Nakuru and Kenya on the global map. I bank on the support of Kenyans of goodwill,” stated Mr Maloba.
He believes the initiative can help change attitudes, especially among young people.
During the 45-hour marathon, Mr Maloba will teach various topics drawn from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) secondary Mathematics syllabus, including Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability and Statistics.
“The lessons will be delivered to rotating groups of students to ensure continuous engagement, as Guinness World Records guidelines require active teaching and learning throughout the attempt. This is more than just breaking a world record. For the longest time, there has been an analogy among learners that Mathematics is a monster and a feared subject. The purpose of this record is to demystify that concept,” explained Maloba.
“It is about sending a message to students that Mathematics is not a monster. With consistency, discipline and the right guidance, anyone can master it. It is a subject that requires structured learning, and with that understanding will come. Being able to do 45 hours is to show learners it is doable,” added the teacher.
Fenwick Maloba during an interview on January 28, 2025, at Menengai High School.
Photo credit: Mercy Koskei|Nation Media Group
According to Mr Maloba, he conceived the idea in March 2025 after discovering that learners were struggling with Mathematics.
“I thought of a platform to demystify it, from the perspective that they can see someone can do it for a long period of time,” he revealed.
The tutor further revealed that he conducted research on the current record holder, the year and the duration, where he discovered that the tutor had done 31 hours of continuous Mathematics teaching.
“I scheduled the challenge for January 30 due to the school holidays. After the approval, I informed the Ministry of Education, the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) and other relevant authorities,” he told the Nation .
“I have set up a team because Guinness World Records requires independent witnesses. In my case, I have ten people divided into five groups who will be on a rotational basis after every four hours (two every two hours),” he added.
The witnesses are expected to sign a file whenever they attend a session and record everything that happens, including the time and what Maloba has taught in each lesson, which is important during submission.
He revealed that he has a team of managers, timekeepers and media personnel who will document the entire session, which will be submitted to meet verification standards.
Fenwick Maloba, a teacher at Menengai High School, holding a mathematical instrument he will use during his attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon mathematics lesson of 45 hours. He will start the challenge on Friday at 8am.
Photo credit: Mercy Koskei|Nation Media Group
Mr Maloba noted that during the marathon, at least 15 students will attend in shifts of one hour each, allowing them to participate without fatigue while ensuring the lesson remains interactive.
“When you are applying, they don’t ask for documents, but once you do so, depending on the record you want to break, they will give you instructions that they expect you to meet. For instance, in Mathematics, you need to be a registered teacher with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC),” he explained.
Mr Maloba said he has undergone physical and mental preparation for the challenge, acknowledging that teaching for 45 hours straight will test his endurance.
On January 23, 2026, he did a pre-event 20-hour challenge in preparation for the big day.
“I have divided my teaching session into 12 blocks of four hours each, then I rest before continuing. The venue has three entry points to ensure learners do not interrupt the activity. The borders are well prepared for the night sessions. A health check-up is not a requirement, but they categorically state that your wellbeing is your sole responsibility. You have to ensure that you and the parties involved take care of yourselves both mentally and physically,” he noted.
Mr Maloba added that Mathematics is a foundation for many career paths, including engineering, medicine, architecture, data science and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence.
“It will not be easy, but teaching is something I love, and that passion will carry me through. I was advised not to take a lot of fluids to save time using the washroom. I will be taking a lot of milk, fruits, lemon and honey for my voice,” he added.
Colleagues described Mr Maloba as a passionate teacher with a deep commitment to his students, having taught Mathematics for several years.
He is known for using creative approaches to simplify complex concepts and motivate learners who struggle with the subject.
Mr Isaac Amutabi, a Chemistry and Mathematics teacher at the school, said that when they first heard him talk about the plan, they never thought he would actualise it.
He said that after he explained the initiative, they all pledged their support to his cause.
“Mr Maloba is the kind of teacher who goes beyond classroom work. He gives extra time to students, encourages group discussions and constantly looks for new ways to make Mathematics relatable. This is a proud moment for us as a school,” Mr Amutabi said.
As the countdown to the 45-hour marathon begins, anticipation continues to build among students, teachers and staff at Menengai High School.
