Two Kenyan Creators Featured in TikTok’s 2026 Global Discover List

Kenyan digital creators Trevor Were and Cherie Kihato have been named to TikTok's prestigious Global Discover List 2026, recognising 50 influencers worldwide who are shaping cultural trends and conversations.

Trevor Were, known as @saute_with_trevor, has gained a following of nearly 200,000 for his creative approach to cooking, transforming everyday meals into vibrant, accessible dishes. His content falls within the “Foodies” category, reflecting his ability to inspire home cooks with simple yet flavourful recipes.

Cherie Kihato, the founder of Savannah Space, a design studio, showcases African heritage through her TikTok content. With over 46,000 followers, Kihato's work highlights African furniture, art, and interiors, positioning African design within global cultural discussions.

This marks a significant moment for Kenya’s digital presence, as two creators have made the list this year. In 2025, only one Kenyan, tech educator Roy Kanyi, was recognised. The inclusion of Were and Kihato highlights the growing influence of Kenyan talent on the global stage.

Other African creators featured in the list include Nigeria’s Olawale Ogunlana in the Educators category, and South Africa’s Wayne Chang and Tamia Nontsikelelo in the Foodies and Originators categories, respectively. These recognitions underscore Africa’s increasing impact on global digital culture.

The Discover List provides honourees with access to exclusive events, brand partnerships, and opportunities to expand their careers. For Were and Kihato, this recognition not only celebrates their personal achievements but also amplifies Kenyan creativity on the world stage.

TikTok’s growing influence in Kenya is evident, with more than 18 million users in the country, surpassing Facebook’s 17 million and X’s 2.3 million.