Kenya is making waves on the global digital stage as two of
its most talented creators, Trevor Were and Cherie Kihato, have been named to
the prestigious TikTok Global Discover List 2026. This coveted list recognizes
50 of the world’s most influential creators who are shaping culture, trends,
and digital content globally.
The TikTok Discover List celebrates creators across five key
categories Educators, Foodies, Icons, Innovators, and Originators and
spotlights diverse talent from countries including the United States, Kenya,
Nigeria, Brazil, France, Indonesia, Italy, England, Mexico, Australia, Japan,
Israel, and South Africa.
Trevor Were: Transforming Everyday Cooking
Trevor Were (@saute_with_trevor) has become a
household name in the Kenyan TikTok culinary space. With a following of 194,000,
Trevor is a self-taught chef who brings flair, creativity, and simplicity to
cooking. His videos focus on turning ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary
experiences, using ingredients easily found in most kitchens.
From visually stunning pasta dishes to quick, healthy
snacks, Trevor’s content is designed to inspire his followers to cook
confidently and creatively at home. His easy-to-follow recipes, practical tips,
and engaging presentation style have earned him a loyal following and
international recognition.
“Cooking should be fun, accessible, and inspiring,” says
Trevor. “I love showing people that with simple ingredients, anyone can create
something beautiful and delicious.”
Trevor’s inclusion in the TikTok Discover List highlights
the growing global appetite for home-cooking content, especially creators who
combine practicality with creativity.
Cherie Kihato: Bringing African Design to the World
Cherie Kihato (@cheriekihato) is a Kenyan creative
entrepreneur and founder of Savannah Space, a design studio and showroom that
celebrates African heritage through furniture, art, and interior design. With 46,000
TikTok followers, Cherie has been recognized for her innovative approach to
design and her ability to translate cultural heritage into modern aesthetics.
Through her TikTok content, Cherie shares behind-the-scenes
glimpses of her design process, showcases unique African-inspired pieces, and
educates audiences about the history and significance of various design
elements. Her work not only elevates African design but also opens
opportunities for global collaborations and brand partnerships.
“I want people to see that African design is not just
beautiful it’s meaningful and culturally rich. TikTok allows me to share this
vision with the world,” Cherie explains.
The TikTok Discover Selection Process
The selection of creators for the Discover List is global
and community-driven. TikTok evaluates creators based on multiple performance
metrics, including:
- Video
output and consistency of posting
- Viewership
and account growth
- Engagement
levels, including likes, comments, and shares
- Audience
interaction and content that sparks meaningful conversations beyond the
platform
“Our global team nominated creators, and we evaluated which
creators have been making a significant impact on and off the app over the past
six months,” TikTok stated.
This rigorous selection ensures that the Discover List
features creators who are not only popular but also innovative, influential,
and culturally relevant.
Kenyan Creators Making a Global Impact
Trevor Were and Cherie Kihato join a growing list of African
creators gaining international recognition. Last year, only one Kenyan, Roy
Kanyi, made the list under the Educators category for simplifying gadgets and
electronics, amassing over 400,000 followers.
Other African creators on the 2026 list include:
- Olawale
Ogunlana (Nigeria, Educators): Sharing educational content that sparks
curiosity and learning
- Wayne
Chang (South Africa, Foodies) and Tamia Nontsikelelo (South Africa,
Originators): Showcasing culinary creativity and community-centered
entrepreneurial content
The growing presence of African creators on global platforms
reflects a shift in digital consumption, where diverse voices and content from
previously underrepresented regions are gaining worldwide attention.
TikTok’s Role in Shaping Digital Careers
Being named to the TikTok Discover List offers creators significant
opportunities, including:
- Global
recognition and credibility
- Access
to exclusive events, such as the Hot List x Discover List showcase in
New York
- Brand
partnerships and monetization opportunities
- Expansion
into sustainable businesses, product launches, and publishing
For Trevor and Cherie, this recognition represents not just
a milestone but also a platform to grow their careers, inspire audiences, and
elevate Kenyan digital creativity globally.
TikTok Growth in Kenya
According to the latest Media Council of Kenya (MCK) data,
Kenya now has over 18 million TikTok users in 2026, growing by more than 3
million from 2025. TikTok now surpasses Facebook, with 17 million users, and X,
with 2.3 million users.
This surge in TikTok usage signals Kenya’s increasing
influence in the digital space, creating new opportunities for content
creators, businesses, and entrepreneurs to engage audiences in innovative ways.
The inclusion of Trevor Were and Cherie Kihato on TikTok’s
Global Discover List 2026 is a testament to Kenya’s growing creative talent and
global appeal. As these creators continue to innovate and inspire, they not
only elevate their personal brands but also shine a spotlight on Kenya as a hub
for digital creativity and cultural expression.
From the kitchen to the design studio, Kenyan talent is
proving that local creativity can have a global impact, shaping trends and
redefining the future of digital influence.
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