Kenyan climate activist Truphena Muthoni is preparing for another extraordinary environmental challenge – this time on the global stage. The passionate conservationist plans to attempt a new world record by hugging 1,172 trees in one hour during an upcoming visit to Brazil.
The ambitious feat, if successful, would surpass the current record and further spotlight Kenya’s growing environmental activism.
Plan to Break Tree-Hugging World Record
Mark Mwenje, the Member of Parliament for Embakasi West, revealed the plan in the National Assembly on Wednesday, March 11, while introducing Muthoni to fellow lawmakers.
According to the legislator, the climate advocate will depart for Brazil on March 22, 2026, where she will combine the record attempt with environmental outreach activities. During the visit, she also intends to meet with indigenous communities to learn from their conservation practices and strengthen her climate advocacy efforts.
Mwenje explained that achieving the record will require extraordinary speed and precision.
“Truphena will be traveling to Brazil on March 22, 2026, to engage with indigenous communities and is trying to set another record by hugging 1,172 trees within one hour, which will take her about two to three seconds per tree,” Mwenje stated.
To reach the target, Muthoni will have to move rapidly from tree to tree – hugging each trunk in roughly two to three seconds for an entire hour.
Supporting Kenya’s 15-Billion Tree Campaign
Beyond the record attempt, Muthoni’s mission aligns with Kenya’s broader environmental agenda.
Mwenje told Parliament that the activist serves as an ambassador for the national tree-planting initiative launched by William Ruto. The program aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of the country’s climate action strategy.
“More importantly, she’s the ambassador for the government, appointed by His Excellency President William Ruto, for planting 15 billion trees by 2032,” he added.
The campaign seeks to restore degraded landscapes, improve biodiversity, and strengthen Kenya’s resilience to climate change.
Rise to Fame After 72-Hour Tree Hug
Muthoni first captured national attention through an unusual but powerful environmental gesture – hugging a tree continuously for 72 hours in Nyeri County.
The endurance challenge attracted widespread public interest and drew attention to the importance of protecting forests and indigenous tree species.
Later, Guinness World Records officially ratified the feat, confirming that she had surpassed her own previous record of 48 hours, which she set earlier in 2025.
Since then, the environmental advocate has gained recognition for her dedication to reforestation, climate awareness, and the protection of indigenous trees across Kenya.
Muthoni’s upcoming attempt will target a different category – the most trees hugged in one hour.
The current record stands at 1,123 trees, set by Abubakar Tahiru of Ghana in Auburn, Alabama, United States, on March 25, 2024.
If she succeeds in hugging 1,172 trees in 60 minutes, Muthoni will set a new benchmark while drawing global attention to tree conservation and climate action.
