Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto has appointed Truphena Muthoni as the ambassador of the government’s 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign.
This followed the environmental activist’s remarkable and record-breaking act of spending 72 continuous hours embracing an indigenous tree.
The 21-year-old, hailing from Nyeri County, broke her own 48-hour Guinness World Record and promoted awareness of deforestation, climate change, indigenous tree conservation, and mental health.
What Ruto said about Truphena Muthoni
Speaking when he met Muthoni at the Statehouse in Nairobi on Monday, December 15, President Ruto described her as an exemplary young Kenyan whose dedication and determination embody the very best of our nation’s spirit.
The head of state said Muthoni’s act of hugging a tree for 72 hours, aimed at raising national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change, is a deeply symbolic gesture.
“In recognition of her courage, fortitude, and laudable leadership, I have appointed her as an Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a signature national initiative dedicated to securing Kenya’s environmental future,” said Ruto.
Other goodies for Truphena Muthoni
The president revealed that in further appreciation of her inspiring efforts, the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board extended to Truphena and her team a fully sponsored holiday experience.
In addition, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry will support the realisation of her dream to visit Brazil, broadening her exposure to global conservation initiatives and environmental leadership.
Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno assured that the ministry will work together with Muthoni and her team to realise the dream.
“The Ministry will work closely with her to realise this dream, which will broaden her exposure to global conservation initiatives and environmental leadership,” said Ng’eno.
A Head of State Commendation
Ruto also awarded Muthoni the coveted Head of State Commendation, a move that will add strength to her credentials.
“As a mark of national honour for her exemplary service to environmental stewardship, I have conferred upon Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal,” the president added.
What to know about Kenya’s 15 billion tree planting campaign
On December 22, 2022, President Ruto initiated planting of 15 billion trees by 2032, a move aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions, stopping and reversing deforestation and restoring 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes through the African Landscape Restoration Initiative.
Dubbed “Jaza Miti” programme, Ruto assured Kenyans that the initiative will create employment for the youth and offer solutions to climate change.
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