Joseph Isangura
A 22-year-old environmental guardian, Truphena Muthoni, received special recognition from President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on 15 December 2025, following her extraordinary achievement of hugging a tree continuously for 72 hours, setting a new world record.
The feat has sparked national and international attention, highlighting the power of symbolic acts in raising awareness for environmental conservation.
This remarkable attempt, carried out in Nyeri County from 8 to 10 December, marked Muthoni’s second Guinness World Record. Her first record involved hugging a tree for 48 hours. Despite heavy rain and physical exhaustion on the second day, she persevered, ignoring advice from bystanders to stop, demonstrating extraordinary endurance and determination.
Speaking during the meeting, President Ruto praised Muthoni’s dedication, describing it as “a powerful symbol that inspires both national and global awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and combating climate change.” He emphasized that her leadership and perseverance exemplify the potential of youth to drive positive environmental change.
In recognition of her efforts, President Ruto appointed Muthoni as an ambassador for Kenya’s flagship 15 million tree-planting campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at restoring forest cover, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting ecological sustainability. She also received the Head of State’s Commendation (HSC), a prestigious award honoring her courage, leadership, and resilience in environmental advocacy.
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Beyond national recognition, the government announced further support for Muthoni and her team, including a fully sponsored trip to Brazil to engage with international environmental programs. The initiative aims to expand her exposure to global conservation strategies and foster international collaboration in environmental leadership.
Muthoni explained that her goal was not only to set records but also to inspire communities to embrace conservation efforts and understand the critical role of forests in combating climate change. Her feat has captured the imagination of Kenyans and environmental advocates worldwide, illustrating how creative activism can engage public interest and mobilize action.
Experts note that such symbolic acts play a growing role in promoting awareness and community engagement in conservation. By combining endurance, commitment, and public visibility, Muthoni has drawn attention to deforestation, environmental protection, and sustainable development, encouraging young people to participate actively in climate action.
Her story highlights a broader movement in Kenya and internationally, where individual actions can generate momentum for environmental initiatives, proving that even small acts of courage and determination can inspire global attention and change.
