Big Boy Trev: Beloved media personality passes after short illness

Automotive journalist and TV personality Trevor Lamenya.[Courtesy]

Kenya’s motoring and media communities are in mourning following the death of renowned automotive journalist and TV personality Trevor Lamenya, popularly known as “Big Boy Trev.”

His family confirmed that he passed away after a brief illness.

Lamenya was a prominent figure in Kenya’s automotive scene, celebrated for his in-depth understanding of vehicles and his dynamic presence both on television and digital platforms.

For over a decade, he played a key role in shaping automotive conversations in Kenya, offering insights that appealed to both everyday consumers and industry professionals.

He was a graduate of Daystar University, where he studied communication and media.

Over the years, he built a distinguished career that included leadership roles such as Editor-in-Chief at Cullinan Media and PR Ltd, and previous editorial positions at AutoVault Media Ltd.

He was best known for hosting Cars with Big Boy Trev (CBBT), an automotive review show aired on major Kenyan networks including KTN and NTV.

His engaging style and deep industry knowledge earned him a loyal following among car lovers across the country.

News of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends, colleagues, and fans. Many remembered him not just for his work, but for his warmth, generosity, and encouragement of upcoming talent in the automotive space.

Car dealer and entrepreneur Khalif Kairo shared how Trev helped him gain exposure in the media. “We did a shoot in 2019 and he really helped open doors for me in the industry,” he said while calling him “an amazing soul.”

YouTuber Waigera credited Trev with inspiring a new generation of automotive content creators in Kenya. “He paved the way for many of us. His shows on KTN taught us so much about cars,” he said.

Lamenya’s legacy extends beyond the screen. His work bridged the gap between traditional journalism and digital content creation, elevating the caliber of motoring coverage in Kenya at a time when the industry faced criticism for its lack of expertise.