A farmer and agricultural innovator from Homa Bay County has been named the United Nations in Kenya Person of the Year 2026 for promoting climate-smart agriculture and mentoring young people.
Bornface Owino, who started farming in 2021, becomes the first person under the age of 30 to receive the award, in recognition of his efforts to improve agricultural productivity while promoting environmental conservation and inclusive development.
Owino grows tomatoes, cereals and other horticultural crops in the Lake Victoria basin using climate-smart farming methods, including certified seeds, efficient irrigation, integrated pest management and soil conservation.
His farm has since become a demonstration site where he trains and mentors fellow farmers and young people on sustainable agricultural practices.
Working with UN Women Kenya, Owino also supplies local farmers with seeds, fish fingerlings and farming knowledge to strengthen agricultural production and support community livelihoods.
“Your dedication, innovation, and excellence exemplify the leadership and potential of your generation. We are proud of your success and confident that your contribution will continue to inspire others,” United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi Zainab Hawa Bangura said.
UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Garry Conille said the award highlighted the importance of collective action in advancing sustainable and inclusive development, including the contribution of grassroots leaders such as Owino.
Owino was nominated for the award by UN Women, which recognised his efforts to promote gender equality and expand opportunities for men and women in agriculture.
“Bornface is breaking barriers and building bridges for both men and women. He is dedicated to gender equality, proving that when we empower every voice, we shape a future where no one is left behind,” UN Women Deputy Representative in Kenya Dan Bazira said.
Owino said his work had demonstrated that development should be measured by the opportunities and dignity it creates for communities.
“It is possible for young people like me to make a difference in our communities,” he said.
His work contributes to 10 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Gender Equality and Climate Action.
The recognition also highlights agriculture's contribution to Kenya's economy. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics' Economic Survey 2025, agriculture, forestry and fishing contributed an average of 21.8 per cent of the country's gross domestic product between 2000 and 2024.
Kenyan rugby sevens international and Olympian Kevin Wekesa was named runner-up for his work through Play Green, a sport-for-sustainability initiative that promotes tree planting, reduces plastic waste, encourages recycling and supports environmentally friendly travel at sporting events.
The award was announced as the United Nations marked UN Day on October 24, commemorating 81 years since the organisation was founded in 1945.
The annual UN in Kenya Person of the Year Award recognises an individual or institution whose achievements advance the Sustainable Development Goals and embody the spirit and ideals of the United Nations.
