AUTOMOTIVE JOURNALIST BIG BOY TREV PASSES AWAY

Kenyan Automotive Journalist Trevor Lamenya alias Big Boy Trev passed away on the night of Friday, August 1, after suffering a brief illness, his family confirmed.

Trevor was more than just a car enthusiast — he was a pioneer in automotive journalism in Kenya. For over ten years, he used his vibrant personality and in-depth knowledge to inform, educate, and entertain audiences across mainstream media and online platforms. His presence was magnetic, whether on television screens breaking down complex vehicle features or in boardrooms offering communication strategies to corporate brands.

A proud alumnus of Daystar University, Trevor studied communication and media, laying the foundation for a career that merged his love for storytelling with a deep passion for cars. He served as the Editor-in-Chief at Cullinan Media and PR Ltd and previously worked as a director and motor journalist at AutoVault Media Ltd.

However, it was his widely beloved TV show, Cars with Big Boy Trev (CBBT), that cemented his place in Kenyan households. The show aired on major networks like KTN and NTV, gaining a devoted following thanks to Trevor’s engaging style and ability to make car talk both fun and accessible.

Trevor also had a strong digital presence. His YouTube channel, CBBT, had over 21,900 subscribers and clocked more than 1.7 million views by April 2025. His influence stretched beyond Kenya, as his LinkedIn profile reflected years of experience in corporate communications and marketing across Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.

Despite his many achievements, those who knew him best say it was his warmth, humility, and generosity that truly defined him. He mentored upcoming creatives, supported fellow content creators, and always had time for fans.

One of those he helped, car dealer and entrepreneur Khalif Kairo, shared a personal tribute:
"I did a shoot with Big Boy Trev back in 2019, and he really gave me a head start by introducing me to key players in the media. That connection helped my brand grow. He was such a kind soul. May God comfort his family and may he rest in peace."

Automotive YouTuber Waigera also credited Trevor for opening doors for others in the field:
"Today we remember the man who inspired so many of us to start our journeys in automotive content creation. We grew up watching him explain cars on KTN. Rest in peace, legend."

Muriithi Pius recalled how Trev’s reviews left lasting impressions:
"His review of the Nissan Skyline Crossover stuck with me. I instantly fell in love with that car. He had that effect. Rest easy, Trev."

Others expressed sadness over his passing, especially coming shortly after the death of reggae MC Fullstop.
"Just as we were grieving MC Fullstop, we now lose Big Boy Trev? This hurts. He was incredibly gifted when it came to cars. May his soul rest in peace," said George Diano.

Motorsport enthusiast Delvin Duncans shared his own encounter:
"I met Trev once during an event at Carco Race Way in Perth. He was down-to-earth and so passionate. I loved watching his content on YouTube and KTN. This is a hard loss for both motorsport and the entertainment industry."

Trevor’s legacy goes beyond television shows or online content. He leaves behind a generation of content creators he mentored, a loyal fanbase, and a body of work that changed how Kenyans engage with motoring media. His absence will be deeply felt, but his influence will live on.