The appointment recognises her dedication to environmental conservation and her growing influence in climate action advocacy.
The announcement was made on December 15, 2025, just days after the 22-year-old completed a demanding 72-hour tree-hugging challenge.
The announcement was made on December 15, 2025, just days after the 22-year-old completed a demanding 72-hour tree-hugging challenge.
The challenge was designed to raise public awareness about environmental protection, climate change, and the importance of preserving trees.
In a message shared online, President Ruto praised Muthoni for her determination and courage. He described her as a symbol of the passion and commitment young Kenyans are bringing to the fight against environmental degradation.
In a message shared online, President Ruto praised Muthoni for her determination and courage. He described her as a symbol of the passion and commitment young Kenyans are bringing to the fight against environmental degradation.
The President also revealed that he met her personally at his office following the completion of the challenge.
As part of the recognition, President Ruto awarded Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal.
As part of the recognition, President Ruto awarded Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal.
The honour is given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding service and commitment in their areas of work.
In Muthoni’s case, it was awarded for her efforts to promote environmental conservation and sustainable living.
Her recognition did not stop there. Several government agencies and institutions also stepped forward to support her cause.
Her recognition did not stop there. Several government agencies and institutions also stepped forward to support her cause.
The Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board offered Muthoni and her team a fully sponsored holiday as a reward for her achievement and dedication.
In addition, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry pledged to support her long-held dream of visiting Brazil.
In addition, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry pledged to support her long-held dream of visiting Brazil.
The visit is expected to expose her to global conservation efforts and strengthen her understanding of international environmental initiatives.
Muthoni completed the 72-hour tree-hugging challenge on December 11, 2025, at the Nyeri Governor’s office compound.
Muthoni completed the 72-hour tree-hugging challenge on December 11, 2025, at the Nyeri Governor’s office compound.
She began the endurance act on December 8, maintaining continuous physical contact with a tree for three full days.
Throughout the challenge, she endured heavy rainfall, cold nights, physical exhaustion, and limited rest.
Throughout the challenge, she endured heavy rainfall, cold nights, physical exhaustion, and limited rest.
Despite the harsh conditions, she remained focused on her mission, attracting attention from Kenyans across the country who followed her progress online.
The challenge built on an earlier achievement in 2025, when she hugged a tree for 48 hours at Michuki Park in Nairobi.
The challenge built on an earlier achievement in 2025, when she hugged a tree for 48 hours at Michuki Park in Nairobi.
That earlier attempt was officially recognised by Guinness World Records. Her latest 72-hour challenge is currently undergoing verification.
The verification process requires uninterrupted video recordings, independent witnesses, and certified timekeeping.
The verification process requires uninterrupted video recordings, independent witnesses, and certified timekeeping.
For the latest challenge, Muthoni chose an American Ash tree. However, she has consistently stated that her main goal is to protect indigenous trees and natural ecosystems.
Beyond the dramatic nature of the challenge, Muthoni says her activism is driven by concern over humanity’s growing disconnection from nature.
Beyond the dramatic nature of the challenge, Muthoni says her activism is driven by concern over humanity’s growing disconnection from nature.
She believes this disconnect has contributed to environmental destruction and wider social problems.
She has often spoken about the need for balance between economic development and environmental protection.
She has often spoken about the need for balance between economic development and environmental protection.
According to her, the pursuit of wealth without care for nature ultimately harms both the planet and human well-being.
With her new ambassadorial role, Muthoni hopes to expand her impact. She plans to make environmental advocacy more inclusive, especially for children, young people, and persons living with disabilities.
She also aims to amplify the voices of grassroots conservationists who often lack visibility and resources.
With her new ambassadorial role, Muthoni hopes to expand her impact. She plans to make environmental advocacy more inclusive, especially for children, young people, and persons living with disabilities.
She also aims to amplify the voices of grassroots conservationists who often lack visibility and resources.
Through partnerships and collaboration, she hopes to strengthen local and international efforts to protect the environment.
