President William Ruto has received 22-year-old climate advocate Truphena Muthoni at State House, Nairobi, days after she made history by setting a new 72-hour tree-hugging world record.

In recognition of her determination and leadership in environmental conservation, the President appointed Muthoni an ambassador of Kenya’s 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a flagship government programme aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems and boosting national tree cover.

The initiative forms a key component of the government’s broader climate action strategy.

“As a mark of national honour for her outstanding contribution to environmental stewardship, I have awarded Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC),” President Ruto said.

The President lauded the young activist for using creativity and symbolism to inspire public participation in environmental protection, describing her actions as both courageous and impactful.

To further acknowledge the demanding nature of her endurance feat, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) offered Muthoni and her team a fully sponsored holiday, citing the physical and emotional strain involved in the challenge.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry also pledged to support her long-standing ambition to visit Brazil, a move expected to expose her to global conservation efforts and strengthen her role in international environmental advocacy.

In a light-hearted moment shared online, Muthoni asked the President how long he believed he could hug a tree.

“I hugged a tree for 72 hours how long can you manage?” she asked. President Ruto laughed and declined the challenge. “My dear, I do many things, but that one I will leave to you,” he replied. “My role will be to cheer you on.”

Beyond the humour, the President encouraged Muthoni to keep pushing boundaries in climate activism.

“Continue breaking records and supporting us on environmental matters and the good work you are doing,” he said.

Muthoni’s latest feat builds on her earlier 48-hour tree-hugging record, which she has now extended to an unprecedented 72 hours. The challenge involved maintaining continuous contact with an indigenous tree as a symbolic statement on climate change, environmental degradation and mental well-being.

In a subsequent statement, President Ruto described her as “a remarkable young Kenyan whose commitment and resilience reflect the very best of our national spirit.”

Although her initial plan to attempt the record in Brazil did not materialise due to limited support, Muthoni carried out the challenge in Nyeri County, enduring heavy rainfall while hugging a tree outside the county governor’s office a determination that ultimately earned her national acclaim.