Two Kenyan digital creators — Trevor Were and Cherie Kihato — have earned global recognition after being named in TikTok’s Global Discover List 2026.
The prestigious list highlights 50 of the most influential creators shaping culture worldwide, and their inclusion marks a major milestone for Kenya’s expanding footprint in the global creator economy. The duo are among just five creators selected from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Cooking Up Global Attention
Featured under the “Foodies” category, Trevor Were — widely known as @saute_with_trevor — has won audiences over by transforming simple, everyday meals into exciting yet accessible dishes from his Nairobi kitchen.
A self-taught chef, Were has built a loyal following through content that demystifies cooking while celebrating flavour, creativity, and consistency.
His engaging short-form videos showcase how local ingredients and home-style techniques can produce world-class results.
As part of the recognition, Were will participate in the TikTok x Food Network Future of Flavor event in New York, a high-profile culinary showcase bringing together emerging creators from TikTok’s Discover List and Food Network’s Hot List.
“It’s truly an honour to be nominated as a Foodie on The Discover List and to be part of the Food Network event,” Were said. “I never imagined that something that started on my kitchen counter could grow into such incredible opportunities.”
His achievement underscores the growing global appetite for African food storytelling — and the role digital platforms play in exporting homegrown culinary talent to international stages.
Redefining African Design
Meanwhile, Cherie Kihato was featured in the “Originators” category for her innovative work in design and entrepreneurship.
Kihato is the founder of Savannah Space, a Nairobi-based design studio and showroom that celebrates African heritage through furniture, art, and contemporary interiors.
Through TikTok, she offers behind-the-scenes storytelling, design inspiration, and insights into building a creative business rooted in African craftsmanship.
By documenting her entrepreneurial journey, she has not only expanded her brand’s reach globally but also inspired other creatives to share their stories boldly online.
Kihato described the nomination as validation that African brands deserve global respect and visibility.
Africa Rising in the Creator Economy
Other Sub-Saharan creators who made the list include Nigerian medical educator Olawale Ogunlana and South African entrepreneurs Wayne Chang and Tamia Nontsikelelo.
According to TikTok, the 2026 Discover List was curated through a global nomination process evaluating creators’ impact over the past six months — including engagement, growth, creativity, and their ability to spark meaningful conversations.
TikTok’s Global Head of Content Operations, James Stafford, noted that the list celebrates creators who are building communities, launching businesses, and redefining success in their industries.
For Kenya, the recognition of Were and Kihato signals more than personal achievement — it reflects a new era where Nairobi’s kitchens and studios are influencing culture far beyond borders.
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