President Dr. William Ruto has conferred environmentalist Truphena Muthoni with the Head of State Commendation (HSC) in recognition of her record-breaking feat of hugging an indigenous tree continuously for 72 hours.
The 22-year-old environmental activist, who hails from Mathira in Nyeri County, has also been appointed Kenya’s official Ambassador for the 15 billion Tree Planting Campaign, a flagship government initiative launched to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
The recognition aligns with the government’s Mission 15B (Jaza Miti) initiative, launched by President Ruto to restore degraded landscapes across Kenya by planting 15 billion trees by the year 2032.
Speaking at State House during a meeting with Muthoni, President Ruto praised her as an outstanding example of youth activism and national pride, saying her environmental advocacy embodies Kenya’s growing commitment to sustainability.
“I had the pleasure of meeting this remarkable young woman following her extraordinary act of hugging an indigenous tree for 72 continuous hours — a deeply symbolic and inspiring gesture to raise awareness about environmental conservation and climate change,” said the President.
“As a mark of national honour for her exemplary work, I have conferred upon Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal. She represents Kenya’s spirit of courage, determination, and environmental stewardship,” President Ruto declared.
The Head of State also announced that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry will sponsor Muthoni’s dream trip to Brazil, the host nation of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 2025), which she had hoped to attend but missed due to logistical constraints.
“In further appreciation of her inspiring work, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) have extended to her and her team a fully sponsored holiday experience,” said the President. “The Ministry of Environment will also facilitate her learning trip to Brazil to enhance her exposure to international conservation practices.”
The young environmentalist achieved her phenomenal world record on Thursday, December 11, 2025, when she spent exactly 72 hours hugging an American Ash Tree outside the Nyeri Governor’s Office — breaking her own previous record of 48 hours and 22 minutes set on February 2 at Michuki Memorial Park, Nairobi.
Muthoni’s achievement is believed to have surpassed the efforts of Ghana’s Abdul Hakim Awal, who hugged a tree for 24 hours earlier this year in Kumasi.
Speaking before her record-breaking event, Muthoni said her motivation was to remind the world of the urgent need to conserve indigenous trees and restore ecosystems that have been threatened by rampant deforestation.
“I am a guardian of forests and an advocate for indigenous people,” Muthoni told the press. “Hugging trees is therapeutic and symbolic — a way to reconnect with nature and address the mental health issues that come from environmental degradation. Before we plant a million trees, we must also heal a million hurting hearts.”
Muthoni linked her activism to mental wellness, stressing that environmental imbalance has significantly contributed to stress and anxiety among communities globally. “Nature has a healing effect,” she added. “When we care for the environment, we care for ourselves.”
Immediately after completing her challenge, Muthoni was wheeled to Nyeri County Referral Hospital for a medical checkup after enduring three continuous days without sleep while maintaining her embrace.
Nyeri Governor Dr. Mutahi Kahiga, who witnessed the challenge’s completion outside his office grounds, hailed Muthoni as “the new heroine of Nyeri” and lauded her determination and perseverance.
“Our hero of the day has done it! Truphena Muthoni has successfully completed her 72-hour tree-hugging challenge here at the Nyeri Governor’s Office grounds,” said Dr. Kahiga. “We are immensely proud and deeply inspired by her dedication to environmental conservation.”
He added that Muthoni’s accomplishment was “more than a world record — it is a statement.”
“It reminds us that courage does not always roar; sometimes it simply holds on, hour after hour, because the mission matters. Muthoni has inspired an entire generation, making Nyeri, Kenya, and Africa proud.”
Muthoni’s recognition by the President was also symbolic of the growing prominence of youth-led environmental movements in Kenya. Her appointment as an ambassador for the 15 billion tree campaign places her at the forefront of the country’s grassroots mobilization for climate action.
As ambassador, she is expected to engage learners, communities, and county governments in awareness campaigns promoting tree planting, sustainable land use, and the conservation of indigenous species.
The Ministry of Environment pledged to work closely with Muthoni in implementing climate education and grassroots reforestation initiatives. “She has become a national symbol for environmental stewardship and youth leadership,” noted senior ministry officials.
Following her commendation, Muthoni took part in a symbolic tree-planting exercise within the State House compound, accompanied by President Ruto and Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
Her new role and accolades mark the beginning of what many have called a transformative journey for Kenya’s young conservation champions. Environmental experts have said her recognition highlights the need for continued investment in youth-led climate action and public awareness on environmental restoration.
Muthoni’s achievement has also gained international attention, with environmental organizations and well-wishers across the continent sending congratulatory messages on social media, celebrating her resilience and commitment to conservation.
Her message continues to resonate widely — a call for humanity to reconnect with nature and adopt sustainable practices to protect the planet.
By Samuel Maina
