Kenya’s "digital export" industry reached a new milestone this week as two local creators, Cherie Kihato and Trevor Were, were officially named to the 2026 Global Discover List.
The list, which spotlights the top 50 most influential creators worldwide, selected Kihato and Were for their ability to turn authentic Kenyan stories into global trends.
Cherie Kihato: The "Originator"
Kihato, the founder of Savannah Space, has been recognized in the Originators category. Her content—a mix of high-end interior design and behind-the-scenes looks at African craftsmanship—has debunked the myth that "local" means "low-scale."
"TikTok literally blew up my small business," Kihato shared during the announcement. "It’s validation that African heritage aesthetics deserve a seat at the global design table."
Trevor Were: The "Foodie"
In the Foodies category, Trevor Were (known to fans as Saute with Trevor) has charmed the world from his Nairobi kitchen. A self-taught chef, Trevor’s secret sauce is his ability to make "ordinary" meals feel extraordinary.
His inclusion has earned him an invitation to a live culinary showcase at the Food Network’s kitchen in New York later this month. Trevor’s success marks a shift in the "foodie" world, where the global audience is now craving the bold, spicy, and diverse flavors of East Africa.
The New Digital Frontier
Kihato and Were represent a generation of Kenyans who aren't just consuming global content—they are programming it. By remaining unapologetically "Nairobi," they have found a way to speak to the world.
