The Guinness World Records (GWR) has officially ratified Kenyan environmentalist Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hugging marathon, confirming it as the longest time ever spent hugging a tree.
This historic confirmation cements Truphena’s place in the global record books and highlights Kenya’s growing influence beyond sports.
In a media statement released on Monday, January 26, 2026, Guinness World Records explained that Truphena’s record attempt was driven by a deeper purpose.
According to GWR, her goal was to raise awareness about the protection of indigenous trees and to recognize the knowledge and cultural wisdom of Indigenous communities, who have long championed environmental conservation.
GWR further noted that the 72-hour tree-hugging marathon surpassed Truphena’s own previous record of 48 hours, which she had successfully set in May 2025.
By extending her earlier achievement, Truphena not only broke a world record but also became one of the few people globally to improve on a record they already held.
The confirmation comes weeks after Truphena publicly addressed online claims suggesting that her 72-hour attempt had been rejected by Guinness World Records.
At the time, the environmentalist clarified that the process was still ongoing and that she remained in communication with GWR regarding official verification. The latest announcement has now put those rumours to rest.
Truphena’s remarkable feat attracted widespread attention both within Kenya and internationally, with many praising her commitment to environmental advocacy.
Her efforts were formally recognized at the highest level when she was invited to State House on Monday, December 15, where President William Ruto personally honoured her achievement.
During the State House meeting, President Ruto announced that Truphena would be appointed as an ambassador for Kenya’s ambitious 15 billion tree-planting campaign. The initiative is a key government programme aimed at restoring forest cover, combating climate change, and securing the country’s long-term environmental sustainability.
In addition to the ambassadorial role, the President revealed that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) had jointly offered Truphena and her team a fully sponsored holiday experience.
The gesture was meant to recognize the close link between environmental conservation and the growth of sustainable tourism in Kenya.
With the official ratification of her 72-hour tree-hugging marathon, Truphena Muthoni now joins an elite list of Kenyans who have earned Guinness World Records titles. Historically, most Kenyan record holders have come from athletics, a field where the country has dominated globally for decades.
Notable Kenyan athletes who have previously entered the Guinness World Records include Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon, the late Kelvin Kiptum, Beatrice Chebet, Ian Wambui, and Agnes Ngetich, among others. Truphena’s inclusion marks a significant shift, showing that Kenyans are also excelling in environmental activism and creative endurance challenges.
Outside athletics, Kenya has also produced record holders in other fields. Maliha Mohammed, a Mombasa-based chef, set a Guinness World Record in August 2023 after completing the longest home kitchen cooking marathon by an individual, cooking continuously for 90 hours and 15 minutes.
Truphena Muthoni’s achievement stands as a powerful reminder that world records can be used not just for personal glory, but also as a platform to promote meaningful causes such as environmental protection, climate action, and cultural heritage.
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