NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has appointed environmental activist Truphena Muthoni as an Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, elevating her to a national role in Kenya’s flagship environmental conservation initiative.
The appointment was announced after the Head of State hosted Muthoni at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, December 15, where he praised her resilience, leadership, and commitment to environmental stewardship.
“In recognition of her courage, fortitude, and laudable leadership, I have appointed her as an Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a signature national initiative dedicated to securing Kenya’s environmental future,” President Ruto said.
The President described Muthoni as an exemplary young Kenyan whose dedication and determination reflect the country’s spirit of innovation and responsibility towards nature.
In addition to the ambassadorial role, President Ruto conferred upon Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal, citing her outstanding contribution to environmental conservation.
“As a mark of national honour for her exemplary service to environmental stewardship, I have conferred upon Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation Medal,” he added.
Ruto also announced that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) have jointly offered Muthoni and her team a fully sponsored holiday, in recognition of her successful completion of a gruelling 72-hour tree-hugging challenge.
Further, the President said the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry will support Muthoni in realising her dream of visiting Brazil, an opportunity aimed at exposing her to global conservation initiatives and strengthening her environmental leadership.
Muthoni captured national and international attention after launching a 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in Nyeri on Monday, December 8, a symbolic endurance challenge meant to raise awareness about forest conservation and climate action.
She successfully completed the challenge on Thursday, December 11, with thousands of Kenyans and global audiences following her progress throughout the three days.
However, Guinness World Records clarified on Friday, December 12, that the verification process for the record attempt is still ongoing and that no new world record has been confirmed yet.
“While supporters are eagerly waiting for the outcome, the submitted evidence must first be reviewed,” Guinness World Records said, noting that Muthoni’s current verified record remains 48 hours, achieved earlier this year in Nairobi.
The 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign is a key pillar of President Ruto’s climate agenda, aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, boosting forest cover, and positioning Kenya as a regional leader in environmental sustainability.
Muthoni’s appointment adds a youthful and symbolic face to the campaign, as the government seeks to mobilise citizens, institutions, and communities towards achieving its ambitious tree-planting targets.
