President William Ruto appoints Truphena Muthoni as the 15 billion trees ambassador during a colourful ceremony at State House, recognising the young environmentalist’s remarkable achievement in setting a Guinness World Record for the longest tree hug.
The head of state praised Muthoni’s dedication after she hugged a tree for over 72 hours in Embu County, surpassing the previous record and drawing global attention to Kenya’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Ruto described her feat as an inspiration to millions, particularly the youth, in the fight against climate change and deforestation.
Muthoni, a 22-year-old pursuing environmental studies, received a standing ovation from cabinet secretaries, conservationists, and youth representatives present.
The president handed her an official appointment letter tasking her with mobilising communities nationwide, especially in schools and villages, to embrace tree growing as a daily habit.
“I am humbled and ready to serve. This appointment motivates me to work harder so Kenya achieves the 15 billion target and secures a greener future for coming generations,” Muthoni told journalists after the event.
She plans to launch county tours starting in the Central Region, partnering with schools to establish nurseries and educate pupils on indigenous species.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Debra Baraza highlighted how Muthoni’s record aligns perfectly with the national strategy launched in 2023.
The campaign has already seen over 500 million seedlings distributed, with public participation growing through initiatives like the annual tree-planting holidays. She noted that her role will focus on awareness and grassroots mobilisation, complementing technical efforts by the Kenya Forest Service.
Youth leaders attending the ceremony welcomed the appointment, viewing it as recognition that ordinary citizens can drive change. National Youth Council representatives pledged support for Muthoni’s activities, organising student brigades to assist in planting drives across counties.
Conservation partners like the Green Belt Movement and World Wide Fund for Nature congratulated Muthoni, offering technical backing for her ambassadorial duties. They emphasised restoring riparian zones and degraded forests, where community involvement proved crucial for survival rates.
Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to providing quality seedlings, tools, and extension services free to participants. He revealed plans for a digital platform tracking individual and community contributions toward the 15 billion goal, with top performers receiving presidential awards annually.
Muthoni’s journey began modestly when she decided to attempt the record as part of her university project on human-nature connections. Supported by friends and local leaders, she endured rain, insects, and fatigue while hugging a tree at the Nyeri County governor’s office.
Schools in Embu have already named gardens after her, with pupils eager to meet the new ambassador. County governments in the Mt Kenya region prepare welcome events, seeing her as a homegrown hero boosting ecotourism and youth engagement.
The appointment adds a youthful face to Kenya’s climate action efforts, complementing high-level diplomacy at international forums. Muthoni will represent the country at regional youth climate summits next year, sharing her story alongside scientific experts.
As she steps into this role, Truphena Muthoni embodies hope that individual actions, amplified through determination, can contribute meaningfully to planetary goals. Her ambassadorial work begins immediately, with the first major drive scheduled during the upcoming short rains season.
President Ruto closed the event by planting a symbolic tree on the State House grounds alongside Muthoni, signalling the official kickoff of her tenure. For a nation racing against desertification and biodiversity loss, her voice arrives at a critical moment, inspiring collective effort toward the shared 15 billion trees vision.
