Small Axe Environmental Initiative

On Monday 2 February, we joined Small Axe & other partners to commemorate this year's #WorldWetlandsDay2026 themed at 'Celebrating Wetlands and Cultural Heritage', highlighting the vital role culture plays in shaping wetland conservation. @NemaKenya @WWF_Kenya @Smallaxe_env

Truphena Muthoni at the #YouthClimateActionSummit! Speaking to hundreds of young climate advocates at @Oayouthkenya's 1st Annual Youth Climate Action Innovation Summit, @TruphenaMuthon unpacked how forests quietly regulate #climate, protect water sources, support livelihoods, and cushion communities against climate shocks. Yet, they remain the first casualties of unchecked development. Her contribution challenged the room to rethink what “growth” really means, and whether it can still be called development if it destroys the systems that sustain life. The summit, convened under the @EUinKenya–funded #SikilizaSautiYetu project, served as a critical youth-led space for dialogue, innovation, and collective action. It brought together young people from across the country to share lived experiences, interrogate #climatepolicy, and co-create a Youth Declaration — a document shaped by youth voices, priorities, and solutions, developed by young people, for decision-makers to listen to. It is within these spaces that Truphena’s advocacy continues to resonate. Beyond the summit, she has recently captured national and global attention through her record-breaking 72-hour tree-hugging action, a bold statement that has amplified conversations around forest conservation, #climateresponsibility and #mentalhealth issues. The action did not exist in isolation; it reflects the same urgency, conviction, and clarity she brought to the summit floor. This is what youth-led climate leadership looks like — informed, courageous, and unwilling to choose silence when the planet is at stake💚💪 #YouthClimateAction #ClimateInnovation #ForestsAreSolutions #truphenamuthoni

From the #YouthClimateSummit stage to Nyeri Governor’s Office! Truphena Muthoni shared her 72-hr tree-hugging record dream with hundreds of youth at @Oayouthkenya summit & with Gov. Mutahi Kahiga's support, she made it happen 🌳💚. Proof that climate action can start anywhere!

You made it @TruphenaMuthon Congratulations! Your practicing grounds and the practicing tree. @kamanumbugua

@TruphenaMuthon @KoinangeJeff @OBurrows @citizentvkenya Not only hugging trees. You have also planted numerous ones. You know where.

@Smallaxe_env @TruphenaMuthon facebook.com/share/v/1HBYbE…

@TruphenaMuthon @WilliamsRuto @TruphenaMuthon the achievement is a win for 'MAZINGIRA SARTUDAY' program by @Smallaxe_env

Truphena Muthoni is an exemplary young Kenyan whose dedication and determination embody the very best of our nation’s spirit. I had the pleasure of engaging with her in my office following her remarkable and record-breaking act of spending 72 continuous hours embracing an indigenous tree; a deeply symbolic gesture aimed at raising national and global awareness on environmental conservation and climate change. In recognition of her courage, fortitude, and laudable leadership, I have appointed her as an Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a signature national initiative dedicated to securing Kenya’s environmental future. In further appreciation of her inspiring efforts, the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Tourism Board have extended to her and her team a fully sponsored holiday experience. In addition, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry will support the realization of her dream to visit Brazil, broadening her exposure to global conservation initiatives and environmental leadership. As a mark of national honour for her exemplary service to environmental stewardship, I have conferred upon Truphena Muthoni the Head of State Commendation (HSC) Medal.

@TruphenaMuthon Wewe ni wetu na tunajivunia place umefika. Tutapanga home coming.

@TruphenaMuthon @WilliamsRuto

@WilliamsRuto Always bold and ready for climate action advocacy.

@TruphenaMuthon @TruphenaMuthon remember this one in Babadogo?

@TruphenaMuthon Proud of you girl. The journey has been hopeful.

@Smallaxe_env @YouthAliveKe @YouthAliveKe Migrant domestic workers need stronger protection. Fear of deportation prevents many from reporting abuse. Justice centers and reforms can offer safety. #TimeToCare #16DaysOfActivism

Challenging harmful norms matters. Unpaid care in the United States is valued at 870 billion dollars. In Kenya, GBV leads to job loss and financial instability for many domestic workers. #TimeToCare #16DaysOfActivism

6. Ending violence in digital and physical spaces is critical. In Kenya, 13.7 percent of domestic workers face sexual violence and many do not report it. Safer reporting systems are needed. #TimeToCare #16DaysOfActivism

Employers should understand the value of care. Children of employers are responsible for some cases of abuse. Promoting respectful household practices can reduce harm. #TimeToCare #16DaysOfActivism

Women spend hundreds of unpaid hours every year that limit their opportunities. Ratifying ILO Convention 189 can strengthen protections for domestic workers. #TimeToCare #16DaysOfActivism @YouthAliveKe