Health Ministry Advises Kenyans Against Tree Hugging Exercises

The Ministry of Health has warned Kenyans participating in rising trends of tree-hugging challenges, as the process has been considered physically taxing and potentially harmful in the absence of a medical check-up.

This is coming on the heels of the rise in tree-hugging, which has taken the country by storm, as a result of the 72-hour tree-hugging challenge undertaken by environmental activist Truphena Muthoni, which ended on the 11th of December last year. The challenge, which broke the 48-hour record, challenged many Kenyans to also undertake similar campaigns for various causes, which include, among others, environmental preservation, cancer awareness, among others.

Recently, the number of tree hugging incidents has been reported across various counties. In the Limuru area of Kiambu County, a young man was seen hugging a tree in a bid to raise money to pay school fees for his brother. In Meru County, the individual took advantage of the challenge to show opposition to the banditry being faced by the region. However, the situation took a different and worrying turn in Western Kenya.

Health experts have pointed out that such cases have raised an Red Flag, especially considering the gaining popularity of the challenge amongst the youth. As said, the health ministry, the act of hanging on for long strains the body and should not be taken casually.

Addressing the media on Thursday, January 15, Health Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, explained that the government had noted numerous reports of participants collapsing after taking part in the challenge without a medical assessment carried out.

“I have observed individuals who are very passionate about hugging trees. However, this is a physically demanding task. Before undertaking the challenge or activity, ensure that you undertake a medical check-up,” Muthoni observed.

However, she clarified that while the government is not in anyway discouraging environmental or social activism, people are advised to first look after their well-being.
“The government says people are free to participate

“We are not preventing anyone from taking part in the tree hugging challenge, but first, make sure that you are medically fit,” she added. The PS further urged the people who were expected to participate not to forget to prepare well for the journey and seek medical advice. It was important to point out that the journey was a form of advocacy that should not come at the expense of the health of the advocates.