Kenyan Creators Shine on TikTok Global Discover List 2026
Two Kenyan digital creators have earned global recognition after being named among the world’s most influential rising talents in the TikTok Global Discover List 2026, an annual selection highlighting creators shaping culture and online trends.
Trevor Were and Cherie Kihato were included in the prestigious list, which features 50 standout creators from across the globe spanning categories such as Educators, Foodies, Icons, Innovators, and Originators. The list celebrates emerging voices from countries including the United States, Brazil, Nigeria, France, Indonesia, Japan, South Africa, and Kenya.
Trevor Were, known on TikTok as @saute_with_trevor, has built a strong following of over 194,000 users through his engaging culinary content. A self-taught chef, Were has gained popularity for transforming simple, everyday meals into visually appealing and flavourful dishes. His content, often filmed from his home kitchen, focuses on accessible recipes and creative presentation, inspiring audiences to rethink ordinary cooking.
Cherie Kihato, who operates under the handle @cheriekihato, is a creative entrepreneur and founder of Savannah Space, a Kenyan design studio that showcases African heritage through furniture, art, and interior design. With a following of over 46,000 on TikTok, Kihato has been recognised for promoting African aesthetics to a global audience and redefining contemporary design narratives.
According to TikTok, the selection process for the Discover List is both global and community-driven, with creators nominated and evaluated based on multiple performance indicators over a six-month period.
In a statement, the platform explained the criteria used to identify the top creators, stating: “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.” The company added, “Measurement levers included (but were not limited to): video creations, views, account growth, likes, comments, interactions with followers, and content that has sparked global conversations.”
The recognition marks a significant milestone for Kenya’s digital content industry, which continues to experience rapid growth alongside increasing internet access and smartphone penetration. Data from the Media Council of Kenya indicates that TikTok usage in the country has surged, with over 18 million users recorded in 2026. This represents an increase of more than three million users compared to 2025, surpassing other platforms such as Facebook and X in local popularity.
The inclusion of two Kenyan creators in this year’s list also reflects a broader continental presence. Nigerian creator Olawale Ogunlana was recognised in the Educators category for producing informative and engaging content designed to spark curiosity and learning. South African creators, including Wayne Chang and Tamia Nontsikelelo, were also featured for their contributions to culinary storytelling and community-driven entrepreneurial content.
In contrast, the 2025 edition of the list featured only one Kenyan, Roy Kanyi, a tech content creator recognised in the Educators category for simplifying complex gadgets and electronics for everyday users. His rapid growth and ability to demystify technology earned him a substantial following exceeding 400,000 users.
Industry analysts note that being featured on the Discover List offers creators more than just recognition. Selected individuals gain increased global visibility, enhanced credibility, and access to exclusive opportunities. These include high-profile events such as the Discover List showcase held in New York, as well as potential brand partnerships and expanded monetisation avenues.
As Kenyan creators continue to gain international attention, their success highlights the country’s growing influence in the global digital space. The achievements of Were and Kihato not only underscore individual creativity but also signal the expanding role of African voices in shaping online culture and innovation
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Kenyan Creators Shine on TikTok Global Discover List 2026
