Mt Kenya University Awards Full Scholarship to World-Record Environmentalist Truphena Muthoni

Education Updated: 18 December 2025 13:24 EAT

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Mount Kenya University (MKU) has officially awarded a full academic scholarship to Truphena Muthoni. The award serves as a prestigious recognition of her relentless commitment to environmental conservation and her unique approach to mental well-being advocacy through high-endurance, symbolic activism.

The scholarship follows Muthoni’s recent induction into the Guinness World Records for the longest continuous tree hug. In an extraordinary display of physical and mental fortitude, Muthoni remained in unbroken contact with an indigenous tree at the Nyeri Governor’s Office grounds for a staggering 72 hours. Completed on December 11, 2025, the feat captured the national imagination, drawing praise for her discipline and her powerful message regarding the intersection of climate change awareness and forest preservation.

The formal presentation was conducted by Professor Peter Wanderi, Principal of Corporate Services, who acted on behalf of MKU Vice-Chancellor Professor Deogratius Jaganyi. During the ceremony, the university leadership emphasized that Muthoni’s scholarship is not merely a reward for her record but an investment in her potential as a future leader in sustainability.

In affirming the award, MKU noted that:

Muthoni’s exceptional community impact aligns with the university's strategic pillars.
The support underscores MKU’s mandate to promote sustainable development through higher education.
Her journey represents a vital transition from grassroots activism to becoming a formally trained champion for the planet.

This academic partnership will allow Muthoni to commence her studies in January 2026. By providing her with the tools of formal education, MKU aims to amplify her voice on the global stage, ensuring that her passion for the environment is backed by professional expertise.