Bornface Owino has made history as the first person under 30 to receive the United Nations in Kenya Person of the Year award, according to a report by The Star.
Owino, a seasoned farmer and innovator who lives in Homa Bay County, was awarded for mentoring young people and promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.
Since 2021, he has been growing different crops, including tomatoes, horticultural crops, and cereals in the Lake Victoria basin.
However, unlike many farmers in the area, Owino has set himself apart by using climate-friendly farming methods such as soil conservation, integrated pest management, certified seeds, and proper irrigation systems.
His farm has been a mega success to the extent that it has attracted young farmers from far and wide who want to learn from Owino.
He has even partnered with NGOs such as UN Women Kenya, which have enabled him to supply local farmers with seeds, fish fingerlings, and advanced farming knowledge as they seek to improve community livelihoods.
Owino has also been at the forefront of promoting gender equality by creating opportunities for men and women to excel in agriculture.
“It is possible for young people like me to make a difference in our communities,” he said when receiving the UN award.
The Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Zainab Hawa Bangura, said that the UN is proud of Owino’s success and efforts, and that they are confident that he will continue to be a source of inspiration to other young people.
“Your dedication, innovation, and excellence exemplify the leadership and potential of your generation,” said Zainab.
The UN Women Deputy Representative in Kenya, Dan Bazira, also stated that through his efforts, Owino is breaking barriers and building bridges for men and women.
His work contributes to the achievement of 10 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include eliminating hunger, ensuring gender equality, eliminating poverty, and taking action against climate change.
The United Nations in Kenya Person of the Year award is given every year to a person or institution whose efforts help advance the UN’s SDGs and ideals.
Owino’s recognition happens at a time when agriculture continues to play a key part in Kenya’s economy.
A 2025 survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics suggests that agriculture, forestry, and fishing made up about 21% of Kenya’s economy from 2000 to 2024.
This trend has seen many young people, including celebrities, increasingly venture into farming as a lucrative investment.
For instance, Gospel singer Guardian Angel has documented his journey in Waingo Farm, a 20-acre property in Machakos County where he farms onions, maize, cabbages, among other crops.
In 2025, the United Nations in Kenya Person of the Year award went to Professor Michael Ndurumo, the first deaf professor in East Africa and founder of the Africa Institute of Deaf Studies and Research.
Ndurumo was awarded for helping develop the Kenyan Sign Language into the country’s official sign language.
He was also instrumental in disability legislation as well as constitutional recognition for sign language in Kenya.
While many UN awards are not accompanied by hefty cash prizes, recipients benefit from donor support, NGO partnerships, and government collaboration.