Homa Bay Farmer Bornface Owino, Under 30, Wins UN Kenya Person of the Year 2026 Award

A young farmer from Homa Bay County has earned national and international recognition after being named the United Nations in Kenya Person of the Year 2026 for his contribution to sustainable agriculture and youth empowerment.

Bornface Owino, who began farming in 2021, received the award for promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, mentoring young people and helping fellow farmers improve their productivity. He is the first person under the age of 30 to receive the honour.

Owino cultivates tomatoes, cereals and other horticultural crops in the Lake Victoria basin. His farming methods include using certified seeds, efficient irrigation, integrated pest management and soil conservation techniques to support agricultural production while protecting the environment.

Beyond producing crops, Owino has transformed his farm into a demonstration centre where fellow farmers and young people learn practical skills in sustainable agriculture.

Through training and mentorship, he helps participants understand farming techniques that can improve productivity and support their livelihoods.

His work also extends to supporting local farmers through a partnership with UN Women Kenya. The initiative provides farmers with seeds, fish fingerlings and agricultural knowledge to strengthen food production and create more economic opportunities within communities.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Zainab Hawa Bangura, praised Owino’s commitment and described his achievement as an example of the leadership potential among young people.

She expressed confidence that his work would continue to inspire others and contribute to sustainable development.

UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Garry Conille said the recognition demonstrated the importance of collective action in advancing inclusive and sustainable development. He also highlighted the contribution of grassroots leaders who work directly with communities to create meaningful change.

Owino was nominated by UN Women, which recognised his efforts to promote gender equality and expand opportunities for both men and women in agriculture.

UN Women Deputy Representative in Kenya Dan Bazira praised his approach to inclusion, noting that his work helps challenge barriers and encourages people of different backgrounds to participate in agricultural development.

Speaking after the recognition, Owino said development should be judged by the opportunities it creates and the dignity it gives communities.

He also encouraged young people to believe in their ability to make a difference, saying that they could contribute to meaningful change within their communities.

His agricultural and community initiatives contribute to 10 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Gender Equality and Climate Action.

The award also draws attention to agriculture’s importance 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 environmental work through Play Green, a sport-for-sustainability initiative.

The initiative promotes tree planting, reduces plastic waste, encourages recycling and supports environmentally friendly travel during sporting events.

The awards were announced as the United Nations marked UN Day on October 24, commemorating the organisation’s founding in 1945.

The annual UN in Kenya Person of the Year Award recognises individuals and institutions whose achievements advance the Sustainable Development Goals and reflect the principles and ideals of the United Nations.

Owino’s recognition highlights how young people can use agriculture, innovation and community engagement to promote environmental conservation, strengthen livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.

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