Guinness World Record Holder Truphena Muthoni Awarded Full Scholarship by Mount Kenya University

Guinness World Record holder and environmental champion Truphena Muthoni has received a major boost in her academic journey after Mount Kenya University (MKU) awarded her a full scholarship in recognition of her outstanding environmental advocacy.

The announcement was made during an educational event at MKU Thika Campus, where university officials hosted Truphena to celebrate her achievements. Speaking at the event, Prof. Peter Wanderi, Principal for Corporate Communication and Alumni Relations, confirmed that the university would fully sponsor her studies.

Prof. Wanderi explained that Truphena has been given the university prospectus to review available programmes and will be free to choose a course that aligns with her goals. Once enrolled, MKU will assume full financial responsibility for her education, including any additional support she may require during her studies.

The scholarship follows Truphena’s remarkable environmental feat that earned her global recognition, embracing a tree continuously for 72 hours as a symbolic stand for climate change mitigation and environmental protection.

According to Prof. Wanderi, Truphena’s action is a powerful demonstration of love, care and responsibility toward nature.

“She is a true testament to environmental stewardship,” he said, urging Kenyans of all ages to take initiative and play an active role in addressing climate change.

The scholarship is expected to further empower Truphena as she continues inspiring young people to engage in environmental conservation and sustainable living.

In her remarks, Truphena said her journey has taught her valuable lessons from both people and nature, adding that pursuing formal education will help strengthen her advocacy.

“It is now time to gain knowledge through education so that I can better understand the challenges facing Kenya and Africa and offer sustainable solutions,” she said.

She expressed deep gratitude to Mount Kenya University, describing the scholarship as a powerful reminder that young people who pursue their purpose can have their efforts recognised, valued and supported.

Truphena, who has already planted over 11,000 trees, noted that environmental degradation is largely driven by ignorance, underscoring the importance of awareness and education in conservation efforts.

She emphasised that meaningful impact can be achieved if individuals take personal responsibility, adopt sustainable lifestyles, and remain well informed about environmental conservation.

Her initiative aligns closely with President William Ruto’s national target to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, a key pillar of Kenya’s climate resilience and environmental sustainability strategy.