A Kenyan chef, Ms Maliha Mohammed, has joined the annals of history after cooking her way into the Guinness Book of Record.
The Mombasa-based chef cooked for 75 hours, breaking the earlier record set by California's Rickey Lumpkin II 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.
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Ms. Mohammed, who is self-taught, joins a galaxy of Kenyans, including renowned athletes like Paul Tergat, Tegla Lorupe and the late Samuel Wanjiru, who have previously shattered world records in various human endeavors.
She awaits official confirmation from Guinness World Record.
A thrilled Ms. Mohammed attributed her achievements to determination and her passion for cooking.
“I have always loved cooking. My greatest joy is in coming up with exciting dishes both local and international cuisine. I will forever be grateful to Pwani Oil for their sponsorship and helping realize my dream,” said Ms Mohammed during a media briefing on Sunday.
The 36-year old chef, who works for a local NGO, said she is keen to showcase Swahili dishes to the world.
“I will continue perfecting my cooking skills and look forward to surpassing this record in future. I encourage young people with various talents to aim for the sky and show the world what they have to offer,” said Ms Mohammed.
She thanked Pwani Oil, a Mombasa-based edible oils manufacturer, for sponsoring her trials.
The company paid her fees to the Guinness World Records, equipment, food and other logistics.
Pwani Oil Commercial Director Rajul Malde hailed Ms Mohammed for putting Kenya on the world map.
“We are really delighted as Pwani Oil to have been part of Maliha’s journey. There are many talented Kenyans who if given opportunity can accomplish great things. We hope the support we have offered will help her realize her potential to be a world-class chef,” said Malde.
Prior to setting the new record, Ms Mohammed tried the feat twice, clocking 36 hours in her first trial in June and 54 hours on the second attempt in July.
She was supported by a team working in nine-hour shifts. Other sponsors were Kenya Bay Beach Resort, Sea Gas who supplied her with free cooking gas, Sheffield Africa and Farmers Choice.
The Guinness World Records, previously also known as Guinness Book of Records, lists outstanding human achievements as well as unique natural phenomena.
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 in 2004.
