NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry to facilitate environmental activist Truphena Muthoni’s dream visit to Brazil, citing her growing influence in environmental conservation and climate advocacy.
The directive was issued on Monday after the Head of State hosted Muthoni at State House, Nairobi, following her widely publicised 72-hour tree-hugging challenge, an endurance act aimed at drawing attention to environmental protection and climate change.
Ruto said the Brazil visit would expose Muthoni to global conservation initiatives and strengthen her leadership capacity in environmental stewardship.
“In addition, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry will support the realization of her dream to visit Brazil, broadening her exposure to global conservation initiatives and environmental leadership,” the President said.
During the meeting, Ruto appointed Muthoni as an Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, the government’s flagship environmental programme targeting large-scale reforestation and climate resilience across the country.
Describing her as an “exemplary young Kenyan,” the President said Muthoni’s courage and determination reflected the spirit needed to safeguard Kenya’s environmental future.
“I had the pleasure of engaging with her following her remarkable act of spending 72 continuous hours embracing an indigenous tree; a deeply symbolic gesture aimed at raising national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change,” Ruto said.
As part of the recognition, the President conferred upon Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal, a national honour awarded for exemplary public service.
In further appreciation of her efforts, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) have offered Muthoni and her team a fully sponsored holiday experience.
While the challenge has been described by State House as “record-breaking,” Guinness World Records has clarified that the verification process is still ongoing and no new record has yet been confirmed.
“Truphena Muthoni’s tree-hugging record attempt this week in Kenya has inspired many comments on our social channels. We look forward to receiving and assessing the evidence,” Guinness World Records said in a statement, noting that her current verified record stands at 48 hours, achieved earlier this year in Nairobi.
The 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign is a central pillar of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s climate agenda, aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change. The government has repeatedly called on citizens, institutions, and private sector actors to participate in the initiative.
Muthoni’s appointment as an ambassador places her among a growing group of environmental advocates expected to mobilise public participation, particularly among young people, as Kenya pursues its reforestation targets and broader climate commitments.
Her recognition comes amid heightened national focus on environmental protection, with the government positioning climate action as both an ecological necessity and an economic opportunity tied to sustainable development and green jobs.
