Two young Kenyans, Bornface Otieno Owino and Kevin Wekesa, have been recognized by the United Nations for their exceptional contributions to sustainable development and community empowerment. They were honoured during the 2026 UN in Kenya Person of the Year award. Mr Owino, a 29-year-old farmer from Homa Bay County, emerged as the UN Person of the Year, while Mr Wekesa, a 26-year-old Kenyan Rugby Sevens international star, was the runner-up.
Mr Owino was feted for using climate-smart agriculture to fight poverty, boost rural livelihoods, and create economic opportunities for youth and women. His work directly advances the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He is the first person under the age of 30 to win the award. Through his enterprise, he has reached 12,674 farmers, 81 per cent of them being young people, for training and mentorship.
Mr Wekesa's initiative, Play Green, a sport-for-sustainability venture, is driving climate action and environmental conservation. He uses his platform to promote tree planting, eliminate plastic waste, encourage recycling, and champion eco-friendly travel during sporting events. His efforts have caught the attention of the judges, leading to his recognition as the runner-up for the UN award.
The achievements of Mr Owino and Mr Wekesa serve as an inspiration to many fellow Kenyans to contribute to solving socio-economic problems. Mr Owino has demonstrated to young people that it is possible to depend on agriculture for food, income, and employment, instead of seeking jobs in urban areas. His success story shows that agriculture can be a viable career option for young people.
The recognition of Mr Wekesa as the runner-up indicates that young Kenyans who influence development and progress across diverse fields, such as athletics, can drive environmental conservation and social change. His initiative, Play Green, is a shining example of how sports can be used to promote sustainability and environmental conservation.
The UN award is a significant honour for the two young Kenyans, who have done the country proud by winning international accolades for their initiatives. Their exceptional contributions to sustainable development and community empowerment have been recognized globally. The award is a testament to the impact that young people can have on their communities and the environment.
The achievements of Mr Owino and Mr Wekesa demonstrate that young people can be change-makers in their communities. Their stories serve as a reminder that everyone has the potential to make a positive impact on society. The UN award is an encouragement to young people to take up initiatives that promote sustainability and community empowerment.
Key points
- Mr Owino is the first person under 30 to win the UN Person of the Year award.
- Mr Wekesa's initiative, Play Green, promotes tree planting, eliminates plastic waste, and encourages recycling.
- The two young men have demonstrated that young people can drive environmental conservation and social change.
