The President met the 22-year-old conservationist on Monday at State House, where he praised her courage and commitment to environmental protection following her record-breaking tree-hugging marathon.
Muthoni recently spent 72 continuous hours embracing an indigenous tree to raise awareness about deforestation and climate change.
Her action, which attracted widespread public support, was originally meant to take place in Brazil during the upcoming COP30 climate conference. However, due to lack of facilitation and accreditation, the mission was forced to happen locally in Kenya.
Speaking after the meeting, President Ruto said he was moved by Muthoni’s determination and described her act as a powerful symbol of love for nature and responsibility toward future generations.
He assured her that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry would now step in to ensure she achieves her dream of travelling to Brazil. According to the President, the move will allow her to interact with global conservation leaders and amplify Kenya’s environmental voice on the international stage.
“This is not just about one person,” Ruto said. “It is about inspiring the nation and the world to take environmental conservation seriously.”
Before the President’s intervention, Muthoni had publicly expressed disappointment with the Ministry of Environment, saying she received no support despite making several requests.
In a television interview, she revealed that she had asked for official accreditation and logistical help to attend COP30 in Brazil but received no response. As a result, she carried out the 72-hour tree-hugging exercise in Nyeri County, at the residence of Governor Mutahi Kahiga.
She noted that while her mission succeeded, it was painful to achieve such a milestone without institutional support, especially when her goal was to represent Kenya globally.
In recognition of her efforts, President Ruto awarded Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) medal, honouring her outstanding service to environmental conservation.
Additionally, she was appointed an Ambassador for Kenya’s 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a flagship government initiative aimed at restoring forest cover and combating climate change.
The appointment places Muthoni among key voices expected to mobilise communities, especially young people, to actively participate in tree planting and environmental protection across the country.
More rewards announced
Further rewards were also announced during the meeting. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), together with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), offered Muthoni and her team a fully sponsored holiday experience in recognition of their dedication and resilience.
The gesture was described as both a reward and an opportunity for her to experience Kenya’s natural heritage firsthand.
Muthoni believes that environmental protection begins with emotional connection. According to her, people are more likely to protect nature when they feel personally attached to it.
Her action, which attracted widespread public support, was originally meant to take place in Brazil during the upcoming COP30 climate conference. However, due to lack of facilitation and accreditation, the mission was forced to happen locally in Kenya.
Speaking after the meeting, President Ruto said he was moved by Muthoni’s determination and described her act as a powerful symbol of love for nature and responsibility toward future generations.
He assured her that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry would now step in to ensure she achieves her dream of travelling to Brazil. According to the President, the move will allow her to interact with global conservation leaders and amplify Kenya’s environmental voice on the international stage.
“This is not just about one person,” Ruto said. “It is about inspiring the nation and the world to take environmental conservation seriously.”
Before the President’s intervention, Muthoni had publicly expressed disappointment with the Ministry of Environment, saying she received no support despite making several requests.
In a television interview, she revealed that she had asked for official accreditation and logistical help to attend COP30 in Brazil but received no response. As a result, she carried out the 72-hour tree-hugging exercise in Nyeri County, at the residence of Governor Mutahi Kahiga.
She noted that while her mission succeeded, it was painful to achieve such a milestone without institutional support, especially when her goal was to represent Kenya globally.
In recognition of her efforts, President Ruto awarded Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) medal, honouring her outstanding service to environmental conservation.
Additionally, she was appointed an Ambassador for Kenya’s 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a flagship government initiative aimed at restoring forest cover and combating climate change.
The appointment places Muthoni among key voices expected to mobilise communities, especially young people, to actively participate in tree planting and environmental protection across the country.
More rewards announced
Further rewards were also announced during the meeting. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), together with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), offered Muthoni and her team a fully sponsored holiday experience in recognition of their dedication and resilience.
The gesture was described as both a reward and an opportunity for her to experience Kenya’s natural heritage firsthand.
Muthoni believes that environmental protection begins with emotional connection. According to her, people are more likely to protect nature when they feel personally attached to it.
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