The Ministry of Health has issued a formal public advisory cautioning Kenyans against taking part in prolonged tree-hugging marathons without first undergoing comprehensive medical evaluations.
The warning comes amid the rapid spread of the so-called tree-hugging challenge across the country, a trend inspired by Truphena Muthoni, who gained national attention after completing a 72-hour tree-hugging initiative in December 2025. While the challenge has since been embraced for environmental activism, charity fundraising, and protest actions, health authorities say it poses significant physical risks when undertaken without proper preparation.
Rising health incidents raise alarm
Speaking on Thursday, January 15, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni described the activity as a physically demanding endurance exercise rather than a passive demonstration.
She revealed that the Ministry has already documented multiple cases of participants collapsing during or immediately after the challenge, some of whom required emergency hospitalization.
“I have seen people who are really in the mood for hugging trees,” PS Muthoni said. “That is a strenuous exercise. Before doing the challenge, make sure you go for a check-up.”
According to the Ministry, prolonged standing, restricted movement, dehydration, muscle fatigue, and prolonged exposure to outdoor conditions significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory complications.
A trend driven by diverse motives
Originally framed as a record-breaking endurance feat, the challenge has quickly evolved into a tool for advocacy and fundraising across different regions of the country:
In Limuru, a young man undertook the challenge to raise school fees for his younger brother.In Meru, a resident used the challenge as a protest against persistent regional banditry. In Bungoma, a young woman was rushed to hospital immediately after completing a 74-hour tree-hugging marathon.
Health officials say these incidents highlight the need for greater public awareness about the physical toll such endurance challenges can take on the body.
Government urges “medical fitness first”
The Ministry emphasized that it is not banning the tree-hugging challenge. Instead, it is advocating for a medical-first approach to ensure public safety.
PS Muthoni stressed that activism, charity, and viral social media trends should never come at the expense of personal health.
The Ministry is now recommending:
- Mandatory medical checkups to identify underlying heart, respiratory, or musculoskeletal conditions
- Gradual physical training, treating the challenge like a marathon that requires endurance conditioning
- Proper preparation, including hydration, nutrition, and awareness of environmental exposure risks
“We are not stopping anyone,” the PS reiterated, “but you must first undergo a medical checkup to ensure that you are medically fit.”
As the trend continues to gain popularity nationwide, health officials are urging participants and organizers alike to prioritize safety, medical guidance, and responsible advocacy over viral attention.
