Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni has spotlighted challenges in Kenya’s tree-planting agenda while revealing she is pursuing a college degree in music.
Her comments came shortly after she gained national recognition for hugging a tree continuously for 72 hours, a feat that highlighted her commitment to environmental conservation.
Speaking on Citizen TV on Sunday night, Muthoni emphasized the role of youth and creative approaches in advocating for environmental protection.
“I am in college, I am studying music. My ambition is to represent voices that are underrepresented,” she told viewers, linking her academic interests to her activism.
Muthoni expressed concern over the feasibility of the government’s plan to plant 15 billion trees, noting that such an ambitious target requires consistent motivation and follow-through.
She pointed to ongoing issues like the cutting of trees in Nairobi’s Karura Forest as examples of conflicting practices that could undermine national reforestation goals.
While the government has launched the 15 billion trees initiative to address climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity, critics have previously questioned its implementation strategy.
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Muthoni also highlighted the level of support she has received for her conservation efforts.
She stated that the national government has not provided backing for her work, but she has received assistance from the Nyeri County government.
Localized support has enabled her to continue grassroots environmental activities despite limited national engagement.
The activist’s record-setting tree-hugging act drew attention to the influence of individual-led environmental initiatives, especially by young people.
Muthoni urged that government policies should be consistent, combining ambitious planting targets with tangible measures to preserve Kenya’s existing forests.
Kenya’s tree-planting programmes have been a feature of national climate policy for over a decade, aligning with international commitments to restore forest cover and combat climate-related risks.
Muthoni’s perspective adds a grassroots lens to these ongoing debates, underscoring the importance of integrating community voices and local realities into national environmental strategies.
Her appearance on Citizen TV comes at a time when Kenya is reinforcing its climate action agenda, aiming for at least 30 per cent forest cover nationally.
Muthoni’s advocacy reflects a growing trend of young Kenyans using creative and participatory methods to influence environmental governance.