Story
28 October 2026
Homa Bay farmer Bornface Owino named 2026 UN in Kenya Person of the Year
NAIROBI, 27 October 2026: A young farmer who has turned his land in Homa Bay into a place where others learn climate-smart agriculture has been named the 2026 UN in Kenya Person of the Year. Bornface Otieno Owino is the first person under 30 to receive the award, which recognises contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ideals of the United Nations.The announcement was made during the UN Day commemoration at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, as the organisation marked 81 years since its founding. The award was announced by Zainab Hawa Bangura, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi.Addressing the commemoration, Dr Abraham Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to multilateralism, international peace and security, sustainable development and environmental stewardship. He also celebrated the award honourees, recognising the contribution of young leaders using agriculture to expand opportunities and promote equality for women, young people and local communities. A farm that shares what worksSince establishing his farm in 2021 under the Cereal Growers Association, Bornface has grown tomatoes, cereals and other horticultural crops using certified seeds, efficient irrigation, integrated pest management and soil conservation. These methods have helped improve yields while protecting the land on which his livelihood depends.His farm has also become a demonstration site. Other farmers and young people visit to learn techniques they can adapt to their own circumstances. Working with UN Women Kenya, which nominated him for the award, Bornface shares seeds, fish fingerlings and practical farming knowledge with local growers.The distinction is significant in a country where agriculture provides livelihoods for millions and where changing weather patterns increasingly affect production. Bornface's contribution lies partly in making better farming practices visible and accessible to others.Announcing the award, Ms Bangura commended his contribution and the example he sets for other young people.“Your dedication, innovation, and excellence exemplify the leadership and potential of your generation,” she said.Bornface, reflecting on what young people can achieve in their own communities, shared a message of encouragement:“It is possible for young people like me to make a difference in our communities.”
Bornface Otieno Owino, 2026 UN in Kenya Person of the YearIn announcing the award, Ms Bangura commended his dedication and the example his work sets for other young people. His efforts connect food production, environmental protection and opportunities for communities, with the award organisers identifying contributions across ten SDGs. Taking climate action onto the rugby pitchKenyan rugby sevens international and Olympian Kevin Wekesa was named runner-up for his Play Green initiative, which uses the reach of sport to encourage environmental responsibility.The initiative has helped national rugby teams replace close to 1,000 single-use plastic bottles a week with reusable aluminium bottles. It also promotes match-day recycling with clubs and the Kenya Rugby Union. Beyond stadiums, Play Green has planted more than 1,500 trees and taken climate education to over 40 schools.Kevin, who was nominated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), demonstrates how sporting organisations and athletes can encourage changes in environmental practices beyond the playing field.While presenting Kevin's commendation, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Dr Garry Conille drew on an unusual feature of rugby: players pass the ball backwards, but the team advances because someone else is ready to carry it forward.“Progress is not one person running. It is many people staying close enough to receive the pass.”
Dr Garry Conille, United Nations Resident Coordinator in KenyaThe lesson also speaks to the ways Bornface and Kevin work. One shares practical methods that other farmers can adopt. The other uses the influence of sport to change habits around plastics, recycling and environmental care. What happens beyond the award?The recognition of Bornface and Kevin brings an important development question into focus: what enables promising local practices to endure and reach more people?For climate-smart agriculture, that may require access to inputs, water, financing and markets alongside training. For sporting events, reducing waste depends on purchasing decisions, facilities and commitments sustained by organisers, clubs and sponsors.Neither recipient can provide all these conditions alone. UN Kenya, the Government and partners continue supporting initiatives that strengthen sustainable agriculture, expand opportunities for young people and advance environmental action. Through technical expertise, resources and partnerships, they help communities sustain effective local solutions and extend their benefits to more people.As the United Nations marks its 81st anniversary, the achievements of Bornface and Kevin show why progress towards the SDGs depends on recognising local initiative and making it easier for others to build on what works.
Bornface Otieno Owino, 2026 UN in Kenya Person of the YearIn announcing the award, Ms Bangura commended his dedication and the example his work sets for other young people. His efforts connect food production, environmental protection and opportunities for communities, with the award organisers identifying contributions across ten SDGs. Taking climate action onto the rugby pitchKenyan rugby sevens international and Olympian Kevin Wekesa was named runner-up for his Play Green initiative, which uses the reach of sport to encourage environmental responsibility.The initiative has helped national rugby teams replace close to 1,000 single-use plastic bottles a week with reusable aluminium bottles. It also promotes match-day recycling with clubs and the Kenya Rugby Union. Beyond stadiums, Play Green has planted more than 1,500 trees and taken climate education to over 40 schools.Kevin, who was nominated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), demonstrates how sporting organisations and athletes can encourage changes in environmental practices beyond the playing field.While presenting Kevin's commendation, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Dr Garry Conille drew on an unusual feature of rugby: players pass the ball backwards, but the team advances because someone else is ready to carry it forward.“Progress is not one person running. It is many people staying close enough to receive the pass.”
Dr Garry Conille, United Nations Resident Coordinator in KenyaThe lesson also speaks to the ways Bornface and Kevin work. One shares practical methods that other farmers can adopt. The other uses the influence of sport to change habits around plastics, recycling and environmental care. What happens beyond the award?The recognition of Bornface and Kevin brings an important development question into focus: what enables promising local practices to endure and reach more people?For climate-smart agriculture, that may require access to inputs, water, financing and markets alongside training. For sporting events, reducing waste depends on purchasing decisions, facilities and commitments sustained by organisers, clubs and sponsors.Neither recipient can provide all these conditions alone. UN Kenya, the Government and partners continue supporting initiatives that strengthen sustainable agriculture, expand opportunities for young people and advance environmental action. Through technical expertise, resources and partnerships, they help communities sustain effective local solutions and extend their benefits to more people.As the United Nations marks its 81st anniversary, the achievements of Bornface and Kevin show why progress towards the SDGs depends on recognising local initiative and making it easier for others to build on what works.
