President William Ruto has appointed 22-year-old environmental activist Truphena Muthoni as an Ambassador for Kenya’s ambitious 15 Billion National Tree Planting Campaign.

The appointment was announced on December 15, 2025, days after Muthoni completed a remarkable 72-hour tree-hugging challenge aimed at raising awareness on environmental conservation and climate change.

In a post on X, President Ruto praised Muthoni as a determined young Kenyan whose commitment reflects the country’s resolve to protect its natural heritage, noting that he personally met her at his office following the feat.

Alongside the ambassadorial role, the President conferred on Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal in recognition of her exemplary service to environmental stewardship.

Additional honours followed, with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board offering her and her team a fully sponsored holiday, while the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry pledged to support her aspiration to visit Brazil for exposure to global conservation initiatives.

A record-breaking environmental statement

Muthoni completed the 72-hour challenge on December 11, 2025, at the Nyeri Governor’s office compound, after beginning the endurance act on December 8.

Throughout the three days, she maintained continuous physical contact with an indigenous tree, braving heavy rainfall, cold nights and physical exhaustion. What began as a personal act of advocacy quickly captured national attention, drawing admiration for its symbolism and discipline.

The feat was built on her earlier achievement in early 2025, when she hugged a tree for 48 hours at Nairobi’s Michuki Park. That earlier record has since been ratified by Guinness World Records, while the latest 72-hour attempt is undergoing verification.

The process requires uninterrupted video footage, independent witnesses and certified timekeepers. Although she chose an American Ash tree for the latest challenge, Muthoni has consistently emphasised that her broader mission is the protection of indigenous species and natural ecosystems.

Amplifying youth voices in climate action

Beyond the spectacle, Muthoni has framed her activism as a response to what she describes as humanity’s growing disconnection from nature, which she links to environmental degradation and broader social challenges.

She has argued that sustainable living requires harmony with ecosystems, warning that unchecked pursuit of wealth often comes at the expense of environmental health and human well-being.

With her expanded platform, Muthoni says she hopes to make environmental advocacy more inclusive, particularly for children, young people and persons living with disabilities.

She also aims to amplify the voices of grassroots conservationists who lack visibility, while creating opportunities for collaboration within Kenya and internationally.