NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has issued a public health warning cautioning Kenyans against participating in prolonged tree-hugging challenges without undergoing medical assessment, citing growing safety concerns as the trend gains momentum across the country.
The advisory, issued through the Ministry of Health, follows a surge in endurance-based tree-hugging activities inspired by environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, whose 72-hour tree-hugging challenge, completed on December 11 last year, drew national attention after she surpassed her earlier 48-hour record.
Since then, similar challenges have emerged in several counties, driven by causes ranging from environmental conservation and cancer awareness to personal fundraising and protest actions.
In Limuru, Kiambu County, a young man reportedly attempted the challenge to raise school fees for his Grade 10 brother. In Meru, another participant hugged a tree to protest insecurity and banditry.
In Western Kenya, a young woman was rushed to Bugoma Hospital shortly after completing a 74-hour tree-hugging exercise.
With participation rising, particularly among young people, the Ministry of Health says the trend poses significant health risks if undertaken without proper medical evaluation and physical preparation.
Speaking on Thursday, January 15, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said prolonged tree hugging constitutes a strenuous physical activity that can strain the body, especially when undertaken continuously for several days.
“I have seen people who are really in the mood for hugging trees. People are hugging trees; that is a strenuous exercise. Before doing the challenge, make sure you go for a check-up,” Muthoni said.
She revealed that the Ministry has recorded multiple incidents of participants collapsing and being rushed to hospital after attempting extended tree-hugging challenges without prior medical clearance.
“We are not stopping anyone from participating in the tree-hugging challenge, but you must first undergo a medical checkup to ensure that you are medically fit,” the PS said, adding that advocacy initiatives should not compromise personal safety.
Health officials warn that prolonged immobility and physical exertion can trigger dehydration, muscle fatigue, nerve compression, circulation problems, and fainting, particularly among individuals with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory disorders.
The Ministry has also urged participants to undertake gradual physical conditioning and to seek professional medical advice before attempting endurance-based challenges, noting that extreme activism without safeguards can result in avoidable medical emergencies.
While the Ministry acknowledged the positive intentions behind environmental and social advocacy, officials stressed that constitutional rights to expression and activism must be exercised responsibly.
“Advocacy should not come at the cost of one’s health,” Muthoni said
As the tree-hugging challenge continues to attract attention nationwide, the Ministry says it will continue monitoring the trend and issuing further guidance if health risks escalate.
