Sulemana Abdul Samed from Ghana, the word's tallest man (Photo courtesy of the BBC)

It’s not often that The Kenya Forum brings its readers a tall story (although some of the antics of our politicians might count in that category) but we couldn’t resist relaying a report from Ghana that a Mr Sulema Abdul Samed is now the world’s tallest man standing at 9 feet 6 inches (2.89m) – and he’s still growing!

Known by his nickname of ‘Awuche’ which means “Let’s Go” in Hausa, the 29-year-old from Gambaga in Northern Ghana was diagnosed with gigantism several years ago but he ha7s grown since then.

Standing tall is not without its complications. Awuche can’t drive a car, because he can’t get in one, and he has to wear large slippers made from car tyres nailed together because he can’t buy off-the-shelf shoes.

Serious medical issues

There are also serious medical issues that being so tall give rise to. Awuche has an abnormally curved spine (as the result of a genetic disorder known as Marfan syndrome) and more serious complications could involve heart defects.

Doctors say that Awuche need a surgical procedure to stop him growing. Meanwhile he has to raise $50 for each hospital visit he attends.

He told the BBC that, “I used to play football like every other young man. I was athletic but now cannot even walk short distances.”

Awuche’s health issues eventually forced his return to his home village six years ago where he now lives with his brother and earns a small living from selling mobile credits.

Kenya’s Tallest Man

Kenya’s tallest man to date is Jackson Kipkirui Koskei, a father of four from Bomet whose height stands at 7 feet 3 inches according to the Kenya Book of Records 2013/14.

Kenya Forum readers might also be interested in ‘HOW TALL ARE YOU? Study reveals Kenyans not growing tall’ (29 July, 2016)