Guinness World Records Searching For Kenyan Man Claiming To Have Longest Nails In Africa

• When John Waweru started growing his nails over 20 years ago, his biggest desire was to earn an entry into the Guinness World Records
• The Mombasa nail artist's dream could potentially come true if he emerges tops in an upcoming global contest
• This is after the GWR talent researcher sent out an appeal asking him to contact the organisation

Guinness World Records (GWR) is searching for Kenyan nail artist John Waweru, who gained fame for his decision to grow extremely long nails.

Waweru, who claims to have the longest nails in Africa, is needed to participate in a global competition.

GWR Talent Researcher Charlie Anderson clarified that Waweru is not an automatic record holder as they expect more people to come forward.

"I would love to try and contact him to apply for the record," Anderson said, as reported by NTV Kenya.

He urged anyone else with extremely long nails to reach out and compete against others with the same.

Why do people keep long nails?

In an earlier article, GWR narrated that one of their most intriguing record categories is the longest nails.

According to the statement, people are usually fascinated with what compels humans to keep long nails.

The ever-recurring question is how such individuals live daily and manage chores with extremely long nails.

Lee Redmond, who holds the record for the longest fingernails on a pair of hands ever (female), started growing them as a challenge to herself to see how long she could go without cutting them.

Ayanna Williams's decision was motivated by her childhood obsession with her mother’s fingernails and women with long fingernails.

Louise Hollis, who held the record for the longest toenails, was inspired by a television programme that featured the record for the longest fingernails.

Odilon Ozare went on record in August 26, 2018, after he created acrylic nail extensions that measured 1.21 meters, inspired by one of his birds digging its talons into his shoulder.

Waweru's journey to long nails

In an earlier story by TUKO.co.ke, the 42-year-old said that he was rebuked by many in his community, with some claiming he had joined a cult.

Waweru's journey to keeping the long nails began after he finished high school, a decision that rubbed his parents the wrong way.

The resident of Migadini in Mombasa stood by his decision, and he has been growing and meticulously maintaining the nails for an astounding 22 years.

He makes between KSh 2,000 and 10,000 by showcasing the nails for a fee at public events, on the beach, and in schools.

Waweru, whose biggest wish has always been to appear in the Guinness Book of Records, now has the opportunity to achieve this dream.

Proofreading by Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke