Young environmental activist Truphena Muthoni has been honored as one of the Top 20 Most Impactful Women in Kenya for 2026, according to a comprehensive survey released by Timely Kenya.
Truphena has been second on the prestigious list, just behind Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti.
At just 22 years old, Truphena Muthoni, hailing from Nyeri County, has already etched her name into the annals of environmental history.
Her journey to prominence began with a daring feat that captured global attention: a 72-hour non-stop tree-hugging marathon, which not only set a world record but also symbolized her profound commitment to protecting Kenya’s forests and biodiversity.
This act of endurance, earned her widespread acclaim, including a Head of State Commendation for her contributions to environmental activism.
In recognition of her trailblazing work, Mount Kenya University (MKU) awarded her a fully paid scholarship, allowing her to pursue advanced studies in environmental science and further amplify her influence.

Timely Kenya’s survey, conducted independently over eight months, praised Muthoni for her measurable societal impact, resilience, and relevance to youth and cultural preservation, criteria that set her apart in a highly competitive field.


The Top 20 list, sponsored solely by Timely Kenya a platform dedicated to empowering insights through user-friendly surveys features an array of distinguished women across sectors.
Others named in the list include Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu, TVET specialist Peninah Ngina, journalist Mwanaisha Hamadi, digital strategist Pauline Njoroge, businesswoman Damaris Muriithi (Dama wa Spares), musician Crystal Asige, and human rights defender Rukiya Mohammed, comedian Mamito, among others.


The selection process was rigorous, evaluating candidates on leadership qualities, public perception, and tangible achievements, with Timely Kenya noting that while many women excelled, only the elite made the cut.
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