James Kagambi: The 62-year-old, first Kenyan to reach Mt Everest, world’s tallest mountain

James Kagambi, a 62-year-old retired Kenyan teacher, has become the first Kenyan to top the world’s highest mountain.

After a 40-day expedition, Kagambi, commonly known as KG, reached the summit of Mt. Everest on Thursday.

“The Full Circle Everest team led by Philip Henderson from California has made history as the first all-Black team to stand atop the summit, the highest mountain on earth,” Jiban Ghimire, managing director at Shangri-La Nepal Treks, confirmed to the Himalayan Times.

Phil Henderson, Manoah Ainuu, Fred Campbell, Abby Dione, Thomas Moore, Desmond “Dom” Mullins, Rosemary Saal, and Eddie Taylor were among the climbers who accompanied James.

Kagambi worked as a school teacher, sports coach, and traditional African music tutor before starting his climbing career in 1987.

He was hired as a NOLS field teacher (National Outdoor Leadership School) in the United States the same year.

He worked in the woods for nearly 13 years, teaching hiking, climbing, and mountaineering throughout Africa, Chile, and the United States.

KG has also often participated in NOLS climbing programs in Patagonia, Alaska, East Africa, and India.

In addition, he has completed three of the Seven Summits and has represented Africa in the 1992 Eiger Peace Climb.

Since the 1990s, KG has led climbs on Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya. On Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro, and the Rwenzoris, he trains search and rescue teams.

He has been honored and recognized in Kenya for his long-term contributions to rock climbing and mountaineering.

KG enjoys spending time with his family and children when he is not practicing his favorite activity, high altitude climbing.