Francis Wambugu Irungu In a historic ceremony at State House, Nairobi, President William Samoei Ruto has bestowed national recognition on 22-year-old environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, celebrating her unwavering commitment to climate action, conservation, and sustainable stewardship.
Truphena, hailing from central Kenya, has emerged as a beacon of youthful determination, embodying the resilient spirit of the nation’s next generation through her bold initiatives to combat deforestation and raise awareness on pressing environmental challenges.
The highlight of the event was the conferment of the prestigious Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal, awarded for her exemplary service in advancing environmental causes.
This honour underscores her record-breaking feat of spending 72 continuous hours embracing an indigenous tree, a powerful, symbolic act designed to spotlight the urgent need for national and global conservation efforts amid escalating climate threats.
President Ruto personally engaged with her in his office shortly after this remarkable endurance display, praising her courage, fortitude, and leadership as qualities that inspire widespread action.
Further elevating her role, Truphena has been appointed Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a flagship national program aimed at restoring Kenya’s ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and securing a greener future for generations to come.
She will now lead outreach and mobilization efforts, rallying communities, schools, and youth groups to plant and nurture billions of trees across the country.
In appreciation of her contributions, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) have gifted Truphena and her team a fully sponsored holiday experience, offering a well-deserved respite while immersing them in Kenya’s rich natural heritage, from savannah safaris to coastal retreats.
Additionally, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry will fund her long-held dream of a trip to Brazil, providing invaluable exposure to international conservation strategies, reforestation projects, and global environmental leadership forums.
President Ruto’s recognition of Truphena Muthoni not only validates the power of individual activism but also signals Kenya’s renewed focus on empowering young leaders in the fight against climate change.
Her story serves as a clarion call for all Kenyans to embrace sustainable practices, fostering a legacy of environmental resilience that will benefit the nation for decades.
