Kenyan chef breaks world record with cooking marathon

A Kenyan chef, Maliha Mohammed, joined the annals of culinary fame on Sunday by setting a new world record, cooking nonstop for 75 hours.

Mohammed, a self-taught chef based in coastal Mombasa along the Indian Ocean, joins a galaxy of Kenyans including renowned athletes like Paul Tergat, Tegla Loroupe and the late Samuel Wanjiru, who previously shattered world records in various fields. She awaits official confirmation from Guinness.

A thrilled Mohammed attributed her achievement to determination and her passion for cooking.

"I have always loved cooking. My greatest joy is coming up with exciting dishes in both local and international cuisines," she said.

Mohammed said she will continue perfecting her cooking skills and looks forward to surpassing this record in the future. "I encourage young people with various talents to aim for the sky and show the world what they have to offer," she said.

The 36-year old chef, who works for a local NGO, added she is keen on showcasing Kenyan dishes to the world — especially Swahili cuisine.

Currently the record is held by Rickey Lumpkin II of California, US, who cooked for 68 hours, 30 minutes and 1 second in December 2018. Indian chef Vishnu Manohar in 2017 spent 53 consecutive hours cooking, while Benjamin J. Perry did 40 hours in 2014.

She thanked Pwani Oil, a Mombasa-based edible oils, soaps and detergents manufacturer, who sponsored her trials. The company paid her fees to Guinness, and covered equipment, food and other logistical costs.

"I will forever be grateful to Pwani Oil for their sponsorship and helping realize my dream," she said.

Rajul Malde, commercial director of Pwani Oil, hailed Mohammed for putting Kenya on the world map, adding the company is keen on promoting local talent.

"We are really delighted as Pwani Oil to have been part of Malika's journey. There are many talented Kenyans who, if given the opportunity, can accomplish great things. We hope the support we have offered will help her realize her potential to be a world-class chef," Malde said.

Prior to setting the new record, Mohammed undertook two trial sessions. In June, she cooked for 36 hours and then for 54 hours in July, preparing over 100 recipes. She was supported by a team working in nine-hour shifts. Other sponsors were Kenya Bay Beach Resort, Sea Gas — who supplied free cooking gas — Sheffield Africa and Farmers' Choice.

The Guinness World Records, previously also known as Guinness Book of World Records, lists outstanding human achievements as well as unique natural phenomena. Being listed by Guinness is considered prestigious.

Other Kenyans who have previously featured on the world list include Joseph Love, who in 1992 milked 30 cows by hand in 24 hours, and Kimani Maruge who became the world's oldest pupil at 84 years old in 2004.