Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, 22, has received a special recognition from Adequate Safaris after embarking on a bold mission to set a Guinness World Record by hugging a tree continuously for 72 hours.
The travel company announced it would gift Muthoni a three-day flying holiday to the Coast for her remarkable dedication to environmental sustainability.
Managing Director Maurine Kabu described Muthoni as “an inspiration whose resilience and commitment reflect the kind of leadership our future needs.”
Kabu added that Muthoni could bring a parent or guardian along on the holiday.
The record-breaking attempt began on Monday in Nyeri town, flagged off by Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Deputy Governor David Kinaniri in the presence of environmentalists, local officials, and community supporters.
Muthoni is being closely monitored by medical personnel, timekeepers, and record observers to ensure her safety and compliance with Guinness World Records guidelines.
Muthoni’s 72-hour challenge builds on her earlier achievement in early 2025 when she hugged a tree for 48 hours at Nairobi’s John Michuki Memorial Park.
That event, described by Muthoni as “a silent protest for nature,” drew attention from both local and international media and established her as a young climate advocate in Kenya.
“This effort is about more than endurance,” Muthoni said ahead of the attempt. “It is a symbolic action to promote environmental awareness and mental well-being. Nature is healing. Taking care of the planet is also taking care of ourselves.”
Her attempt includes unique elements such as spending three hours blindfolded to show solidarity with visually impaired individuals and promote disability inclusion.
Local NGOs, youth groups, and the Nyeri County government have rallied behind her, offering support throughout the marathon.
If successful, she will become the first Kenyan to officially hold a Guinness World Record in the tree-hugging category.