NAIROBI, Kenya Dec 15 – President William Ruto on Monday awarded environmental activist Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal for her contribution to environmental stewardship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Ruto and his deputy Kithure Kindiki met Muthoni at State House, Nairobi, following her record-breaking feat of hugging an indigenous tree continuously for 72 hours to raise awareness about climate change and environmental conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the meeting, Muthoni also planted a tree within the State House grounds, symbolising her commitment to protecting Kenya\u2019s environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Ruto praised the young activist, describing her as an inspiration to the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Truphena Muthoni is an exemplary young Kenyan whose dedication and determination embody the very best of our nation\u2019s spirit,” the President said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that her 72-hour tree-hugging challenge was a powerful message to Kenyans and the world on the need to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Her action was deeply symbolic and has helped raise national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change,” Ruto said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In recognition of her leadership, the President appointed Muthoni as an Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a flagship government initiative aimed at increasing tree cover across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Ruto also announced additional support for Muthoni, saying the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board would offer her and her team a fully sponsored holiday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry will also support her dream to visit Brazil to gain exposure to global conservation efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Muthoni welcomed the recognition, saying she “deeply honoured by this award. I hope my journey encourages more young people to stand up for our environment. Protecting nature is a responsibility we all share.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A bold act for the environment has earned Truphena Muthoni national recognition.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13976,"featured_media":787465,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,4625,21353,26],"tags":[1981,32309,1844],"coauthors":[1753],"class_list":["post-787462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kenya","category-national-news","category-sustainability-watch","category-top-stories","tag-featured","tag-truphena-muthoni","tag-william-ruto"],"yoast_head":"\n