The 22-year-old from Nyeri County captured national attention when she hugged a tree continuously for three days in a bold attempt to break the Guinness World Record.
While the international body is yet to officially ratify her attempt, Kenyans have overwhelmingly celebrated her courage, discipline, and passion for environmental conservation.
Although Truphena’s name is still pending confirmation in the Guinness World Records books, her efforts have already yielded meaningful rewards.
Although Truphena’s name is still pending confirmation in the Guinness World Records books, her efforts have already yielded meaningful rewards.
On Wednesday, December 17, she announced that MKU, through its foundation, had awarded her a scholarship to further her education.
Sharing the news on her social media platforms, Truphena expressed gratitude and excitement, saying the opportunity had renewed her hope and strengthened her commitment to environmental advocacy.
“I am deeply grateful to Mount Kenya University and the MKU Foundation for believing in me,” she said.
Sharing the news on her social media platforms, Truphena expressed gratitude and excitement, saying the opportunity had renewed her hope and strengthened her commitment to environmental advocacy.
“I am deeply grateful to Mount Kenya University and the MKU Foundation for believing in me,” she said.
“This scholarship motivates me to grow academically and continue making a positive impact in environmental conservation.”
Her message was met with an outpouring of congratulatory messages from supporters across the country.
Truphena’s tree-hugging marathon was more than a personal challenge. It was a powerful statement on the urgency of protecting nature at a time when climate change and deforestation remain major concerns in Kenya and beyond.
Many Kenyans praised her for using a peaceful and symbolic act to raise awareness, especially among young people.
Her message was met with an outpouring of congratulatory messages from supporters across the country.
Truphena’s tree-hugging marathon was more than a personal challenge. It was a powerful statement on the urgency of protecting nature at a time when climate change and deforestation remain major concerns in Kenya and beyond.
Many Kenyans praised her for using a peaceful and symbolic act to raise awareness, especially among young people.
Environmental groups and institutions hailed her as a role model for youth-driven activism.
The MKU scholarship is just one of the many recognitions Truphena has received since completing the marathon.
The MKU scholarship is just one of the many recognitions Truphena has received since completing the marathon.
She was earlier awarded KSh 1 million by a betting company, received a plot of land, a high-end smartphone, and a fully sponsored trip to Dubai.
President William Ruto also honoured her with the Head of State Commendation (HSC) medal and appointed her as an ambassador for the government’s ambitious 15-billion-tree planting initiative.
In addition, the President announced that Truphena would enjoy a fully sponsored holiday experience courtesy of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB).
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has also been directed to support her aspiration to visit Brazil, exposing her to global environmental conservation efforts and leadership initiatives.
Social media users widely agreed that the MKU scholarship was one of the most meaningful gifts Truphena could receive.
Many noted that education would empower her to transform passion into long-term impact, while others praised the university for recognising activism beyond traditional academic achievements.
Several Kenyans described the scholarship as an investment not only in Truphena’s future but also in environmental sustainability.
Truphena later revealed that her success did not come by chance. She said she trained for months before attempting the 72-hour challenge.
Her preparation included long-distance walking sessions to build stamina, sometimes covering over 40 kilometres a day.
President William Ruto also honoured her with the Head of State Commendation (HSC) medal and appointed her as an ambassador for the government’s ambitious 15-billion-tree planting initiative.
In addition, the President announced that Truphena would enjoy a fully sponsored holiday experience courtesy of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB).
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has also been directed to support her aspiration to visit Brazil, exposing her to global environmental conservation efforts and leadership initiatives.
Social media users widely agreed that the MKU scholarship was one of the most meaningful gifts Truphena could receive.
Many noted that education would empower her to transform passion into long-term impact, while others praised the university for recognising activism beyond traditional academic achievements.
Several Kenyans described the scholarship as an investment not only in Truphena’s future but also in environmental sustainability.
Truphena later revealed that her success did not come by chance. She said she trained for months before attempting the 72-hour challenge.
Her preparation included long-distance walking sessions to build stamina, sometimes covering over 40 kilometres a day.
She also practised hugging trees for extended periods—ranging from 35 to 60 hours—while meditating to strengthen her mental endurance.
She added that medical check-ups were part of her preparation to ensure she was physically fit for the demanding task.
With education support now secured, Truphena says her focus is on expanding her environmental impact through knowledge, leadership, and action.
She added that medical check-ups were part of her preparation to ensure she was physically fit for the demanding task.
With education support now secured, Truphena says her focus is on expanding her environmental impact through knowledge, leadership, and action.