NAIROBI, Kenya—Jan 26, 2026—Guinness World Records has officially ratified Kenyan environmental activist Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hugging marathon, cementing her place in the global record books for the longest time spent hugging a tree.
The confirmation follows a rigorous verification process by Guinness World Records, which reviewed independent witnesses’ reports, video footage and medical records from the attempt conducted in Nyeri County in December 11, 2025.
Muthoni undertook the endurance challenge as part of a conservation awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the urgent need to protect forests and address climate change. She completed the 72-hour feat under harsh weather conditions, remaining physically attached to a single tree throughout the attempt.
The recognition has sparked renewed national attention to Muthoni’s environmental advocacy, months after her feat first captured public imagination.
Following the completion of the tree-hugging marathon, on December 15, 2025, President William Ruto awarded Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal, citing her exemplary service to environmental stewardship.
“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,” President Ruto said at the time.
The President also announced that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) would sponsor a holiday experience for Muthoni and her team. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry committed to supporting her planned visit to Brazil, aimed at exposing her to global conservation initiatives and environmental leadership programmes.
Muthoni has consistently maintained that the record attempt was not about personal achievement but about drawing attention to deforestation, forest degradation and climate action.
The official Guinness ratification now elevates her campaign from a symbolic act to a globally recognised conservation milestone, placing Kenya on the world map for environmental activism driven by citizen-led initiatives.
