President William Ruto has appointed Truphena Muthoni Ambassador for Kenya’s 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign in recognition of her growing role in championing environmental conservation and climate action in Kenya.
The appointment comes after Truphena’s recent completion of a 72-hour tree-hugging challenge in Nyeri County, an endurance feat aimed at drawing attention to the urgent need for environmental protection and climate change awareness.
The challenge marked her second attempt at setting a Guinness World Record, having previously completed a 48-hour tree-hugging challenge that first brought her national attention.
During a meeting at Sttate House Nairobi, President Ruto praised Truphena’s determination and creativity, describing her actions as “a deeply symbolic gesture aimed at raising national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change.”
He noted that such grassroots activism plays an important role in mobilising communities, especially young people, to take part in protecting natural resources. In recognition of her efforts, the President appointed Truphena as an ambassador of Kenya’s ambitious 15 billion tree planting campaign, a flagship national initiative aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, increasing forest cover, and strengthening the country’s response to climate change.
He said the appointment reflected her courage, resilience, and emerging leadership in environmental advocacy. “As a mark of national honour for her exemplary service to environmental stewardship, I have conferred upon Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal,” President Ruto announced, underscoring the government’s commitment to celebrating citizens who contribute meaningfully to national and global environmental goals.
Beyond the honour, the President revealed additional support for Truphena’s conservation journey. He announced that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) would sponsor a holiday experience for her and her team, recognising the physical and emotional demands of her advocacy work.
Further, President Ruto said the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry would support Truphena in realising her dream of visiting Brazil, a country with significant global influence in environmental conservation and climate discourse. The visit, he noted, would help broaden her exposure to international conservation initiatives and strengthen her capacity as an environmental leader.
The recognition positions Truphena Muthoni as one of the emerging voices in Kenya’s environmental movement, at a time when the country is intensifying efforts to combat climate change, promote tree growing, and encourage citizen-led conservation initiatives.
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