Homa Bay agricultural innovator Bornface Owino named UN Person of the Year

He is the first person under the age of 30 to receive the award.

Mr. Owino was honoured for transforming community-led agriculture in the Lake Victoria basin.

Since starting his farm in 2021 under the Cereal Growers Association, he has grown tomatoes, cereals and other horticultural crops using climate-smart methods.

These include certified seeds, efficient irrigation, integrated pest management and soil conservation, which have raised yields while protecting the land.

His farm now serves as a demonstration site. He trains and mentors fellow farmers and young people. Working with UN Women Kenya, he supplies local farmers with seeds, fish fingerlings and farming know-how.

“Your dedication, innovation, and excellence exemplify the leadership and potential of your generation,” said Zainab Hawa Bangura, UN Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi.

“We are proud of your success and confident that your contribution will continue to inspire others.”

UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Garry Conille said the award showed the importance of “collective action,” including by grassroots leaders such as Mr. Owino, in advancing sustainable and inclusive development.

Mr. Owino was nominated by UN Women.

“Bornface is breaking barriers and building bridges for both men and women,” said Dan Bazira, UN Women Deputy Representative in Kenya. “He is dedicated to gender equality, proving that when we empower every voice, we shape a future where no one is left behind.”

Mr. Owino said his work “has shown that true progress is measured not just in numbers, but in the dignity, opportunity, and equality we create for all.”

He added: “It is possible for young people like me to make a difference in our communities.”

His work advances ten of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Gender Equality and Climate Action. It also strengthens a sector at the heart of 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 GDP between 2000 and 2024.

The runner-up is Kevin Wekesa, a Kenyan rugby sevens international and Olympian. He founded Play Green, a sport-for-sustainability initiative that plants trees, cuts plastic waste, promotes recycling and encourages eco-friendly travel at sporting events.

The award was announced as the United Nations marked UN Day, 81 years since its founding on 24 October 1945.