The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has put forward 22-year-old environmental champion Truphena Muthoni for national honours, marking a remarkable milestone in her fast-rising conservation journey.
The nomination was officially announced during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium, where Environment and Climate Change PS Festus Ng’eno confirmed that the young activist’s name had been submitted for recognition.
Ng’eno later shared the update on X, praising Truphena’s bold efforts to spotlight climate issues.
Truphena captured national attention twice this year, first with her 48-hour tree-hugging challenge, and again when she shattered her own record by hugging a tree for 72 hours without sleep.
Her determination turned her into a symbol of youthful environmental activism and sparked widespread public admiration.
“Congratulations, Truphena… the ministry has recommended you for National Honours,” the PS posted.
While the nomination comes as a major win, Truphena has previously shared that her journey has not been smooth.
The activist disclosed that earlier attempts to secure government support ended in disappointment, particularly when she tried to represent Kenya at COP 30 in Brazil, set for November 2025.
She said she spent weeks moving between offices seeking accreditation, but never received the signed documents required for final approval.
Despite promises made after her 48-hour record, she claimed that she was “taken in circles” and that PS Ng’eno did not sign the paperwork she needed.
Her frustrations stirred public debate, with many questioning why a young conservation voice would be denied such an opportunity.
Shortly after finishing her gruelling 72-hour challenge in Nyeri, Truphena attended the Nyeri Youth Summit, where Kenyans and corporate partners fulfilled their promises to honour her.
She was gifted a new smartphone, KSh 1 million, a parcel of land and a title deed, a fully paid trip to Dubai, a year’s supply of sanitary towels, among several other items.
The support poured in as Kenyans celebrated not only her record-breaking endurance but also her passion for conservation, mental health awareness, and social justice.
By tuko