Two Kenyan content creators have made an appearance on TikTok’s annual global ‘The Discover List, 2026, named among the 50 most influential creators shaping culture worldwide across five categories: Icons, Innovators, Foodies, Educators, and Originators.
Cherie Kihato makes the list under the Originators category for her work in creative design. As a creative entrepreneur and the founder of Savannah Space, a Kenyan design studio and showroom showcasing heritage through furniture, art and interiors, Cherie has expanded her business beyond Kenya through content creation.
Speaking about her appearance among global creators, Cherie called it an “honour”.
”It means that my message that Africans and African brands should be highlighted and respected is being noticed. This is such an honour as it’s so important for us as Africans to showcase the incredible things that are coming out of our continent.
“Being nominated as an Originator proves to me that the risk I took in sharing my journey of building an African brand is resonating with so many people. I’m incredibly proud of that.
“Creating on TikTok has played a huge role in my confidence journey. It pushed me far outside my comfort zone…it opened up so many unexpected opportunities, but more than that, it allowed me to build a really special community of people who genuinely support me and are rooting for the growth and success of my brand.”
Similarly, Trevor Were made the list under the food category as a self-taught chef who transforms simple, everyday meals into exciting and accessible creations.
Were said he felt “seen and recognised” by the honour.
“It’s truly an honour to be nominated as a Foodie on The Discover List and to be part of the Food Network event. I never imagined that something that started on my kitchen counter could grow into such incredible opportunities.
“I feel seen and recognised not just by my fellow Kenyans, but by people around the world. This journey has opened doors to greater recognition and exciting brand collaborations. Stay consistent—what feels impossible today can become your moment tomorrow,” Trevor said.
A win for foodies
Beyond making the list, Were will participate in an event hosted by TikTok and the Food Network dubbed Hot List x Discover List: The Future of Flavour, a live culinary event held inside Food Network’s kitchen in New York City.
The event brings together creators, Food Network Chef Esther Choi (@choibites)and @violetwitchel who will cook alongside Were and other foodies on the Discover List, in this case, Wayne Chang (@munchin_mash ), a food creator and recipe developer from Cape Town, South Africa.
