A 29-year-old farmer from Homa Bay County has been named the United Nations in Kenya Person of the Year 2026, becoming the first person under the age of 30 to receive the honour.

Bornface Otieno Owino was recognised for promoting climate-smart agriculture and mentoring young people in the Lake Victoria basin. The award was announced as the UN marked UN Day, 81 years since the organisation was founded on October 24, 1945, at an event at the UN Office at Nairobi.

From one farm to a training ground

Owino started farming in 2021 under the Cereal Growers Association, growing tomatoes, cereals and other horticultural crops. He uses certified seeds, efficient irrigation, integrated pest management and soil conservation methods, and his farm now doubles as a demonstration site where he trains other farmers and young people.

Working with UN Women Kenya, which nominated him, he supplies farmers in his community with seeds, fish fingerlings and technical know-how. The UN says his work advances ten of the Sustainable Development Goals, among them No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Gender Equality and Climate Action.

He told the Daily Nation that he has reached more than 12,000 farmers, most of them young people.

"It is possible for young people like me to make a difference in our communities," Owino said, adding that progress should be measured by dignity, opportunity and equality, not just numbers.

Praise from UN officials

UN Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the UN Office at Nairobi Zainab Hawa Bangura praised the young farmer. "Your dedication, innovation, and excellence exemplify the leadership and potential of your generation," she said.

UN Women Deputy Representative in Kenya Dan Bazira said Owino had shown a strong commitment to gender equality in agriculture. "Bornface is breaking barriers and building bridges for both men and women," he said.

UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Garry Conille said the award showed the value of collective action for sustainable development, including the work of grassroots leaders.

Runner-up

Kenya Sevens international and Olympian Kevin Wekesa was named runner-up for founding Play Green, an initiative that uses sport to promote tree planting, reduction of plastic waste, recycling and eco-friendly travel at sporting events.

Why it matters for the region

The recognition shines a light on farming in the Lake Region, where many young people have turned away from agriculture in search of other work. Agriculture, forestry and fishing contributed an average of 21.8 per cent of Kenya's GDP between 2000 and 2024, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Economic Survey 2025.

Owino's example of a small farm turned training centre is likely to be held up across Homa Bay and neighbouring counties as proof that agribusiness can create jobs for the region's youthful population.

Photos: Citizen Digital/UN (Owino at the UN Day event in Nairobi); The Star/Handout (Bornface Owino). Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.