The warning comes amid a surge in tree-hugging challenges across the country, largely inspired by environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, whose high-profile endurance challenge late last year captured national attention.
Truphena completed a 72-hour tree-hugging attempt on December 11, 2025, surpassing her earlier 48-hour effort and drawing widespread admiration.
Since then, similar challenges have gained momentum in various parts of Kenya, with participants citing different motivations, including environmental conservation, cancer awareness, fundraising for school fees, and protests against insecurity.
In Limuru, Kiambu County, a young man recently hugged a tree for an extended period in a bid to raise school fees for his Grade 10 brother.
Since then, similar challenges have gained momentum in various parts of Kenya, with participants citing different motivations, including environmental conservation, cancer awareness, fundraising for school fees, and protests against insecurity.
In Limuru, Kiambu County, a young man recently hugged a tree for an extended period in a bid to raise school fees for his Grade 10 brother.
In Meru County, another individual undertook the challenge as a form of protest against escalating banditry.
In Western Kenya, a young woman was rushed to Bugoma Hospital shortly after completing a 74-hour tree-hugging exercise after reportedly collapsing.
With the trend spreading rapidly, particularly among young people, the Ministry of Health has raised the alarm over the physical risks associated with prolonged immobility and exertion.
Speaking on Thursday, January 15, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni described prolonged tree hugging as a physically demanding activity that should not be undertaken casually or without professional medical advice.
“I have seen many people enthusiastically embracing tree hugging. However, this is a strenuous exercise. Before attempting it, individuals must undergo a medical checkup to confirm they are fit,” the PS said.
She disclosed that the Ministry has recorded several cases of participants collapsing and requiring emergency medical attention after engaging in extended tree-hugging sessions without prior assessment.
“We are not banning anyone from participating in the challenge,” Muthoni clarified. “But it is mandatory that anyone intending to take part undergoes a medical checkup first to ensure they are medically fit.”
Health experts warn that prolonged tree hugging can lead to muscle fatigue, dehydration, reduced blood circulation, joint stiffness, nerve compression, and complications for individuals with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or blood pressure disorders.
The PS further emphasized the importance of proper physical preparation, hydration, and gradual conditioning before attempting such endurance-based activities.
With the trend spreading rapidly, particularly among young people, the Ministry of Health has raised the alarm over the physical risks associated with prolonged immobility and exertion.
Speaking on Thursday, January 15, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni described prolonged tree hugging as a physically demanding activity that should not be undertaken casually or without professional medical advice.
“I have seen many people enthusiastically embracing tree hugging. However, this is a strenuous exercise. Before attempting it, individuals must undergo a medical checkup to confirm they are fit,” the PS said.
She disclosed that the Ministry has recorded several cases of participants collapsing and requiring emergency medical attention after engaging in extended tree-hugging sessions without prior assessment.
“We are not banning anyone from participating in the challenge,” Muthoni clarified. “But it is mandatory that anyone intending to take part undergoes a medical checkup first to ensure they are medically fit.”
Health experts warn that prolonged tree hugging can lead to muscle fatigue, dehydration, reduced blood circulation, joint stiffness, nerve compression, and complications for individuals with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or blood pressure disorders.
The PS further emphasized the importance of proper physical preparation, hydration, and gradual conditioning before attempting such endurance-based activities.
She cautioned that advocacy, activism, or fundraising efforts should not compromise personal health or safety.
“Awareness campaigns are important, but they should never put lives at risk. People must understand their physical limits and seek medical guidance,” she added.
Medical professionals have also advised participants to avoid prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions during such challenges, noting that heat exhaustion, hypothermia, and dehydration can set in quickly when the body is under sustained physical stress.
The Ministry urged organisers and participants of endurance challenges to coordinate with healthcare providers and emergency services to ensure rapid response in case of medical emergencies.
Despite the health concerns, officials acknowledged the positive intentions behind the tree-hugging trend, particularly its role in promoting environmental conservation and social awareness. However, they stressed that safety must remain a top priority.
“Awareness campaigns are important, but they should never put lives at risk. People must understand their physical limits and seek medical guidance,” she added.
Medical professionals have also advised participants to avoid prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions during such challenges, noting that heat exhaustion, hypothermia, and dehydration can set in quickly when the body is under sustained physical stress.
The Ministry urged organisers and participants of endurance challenges to coordinate with healthcare providers and emergency services to ensure rapid response in case of medical emergencies.
Despite the health concerns, officials acknowledged the positive intentions behind the tree-hugging trend, particularly its role in promoting environmental conservation and social awareness. However, they stressed that safety must remain a top priority.
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