Kenya is mourning the untimely passing of Trevor Lamenya, affectionately known to many as Big Boy Trev, who died on August 1 following a short illness.
The charismatic automotive journalist and media personality was widely celebrated for bringing cars—and car culture—to life for Kenyan audiences across TV, print, and digital platforms.
For over a decade, Trev was the unmistakable face and voice behind Cars with Big Boy Trev, a groundbreaking motoring show that aired on NTV Kenya and became the country’s most authoritative voice on all things automotive.
Long before YouTube reviews took over, Trevor Lamenya was shaping minds through ink and paper. His weekly “Cars with Big Boy Trev” column in the Sunday Nation was a staple in many Kenyan homes, offering comprehensive, relatable, and witty reviews of cars ranging from high-end SUVs to practical, everyday saloons.
This segment was not reserved for petrolheads. Trev wrote for the boda rider looking to upgrade, the first-time buyer saving for a compact sedan, the executive chasing a hybrid, and the family man or woman comparing seven-seaters.
His column paired technical expertise with plain-speak and humour, demystifying everything from engine capacity to resale value.
Over time, his Sunday Nation column became a must-read for car buyers, dealerships, and policy-makers alike. It shaped how Kenyans thought about cars—not just as machines, but as decisions with financial, safety, and lifestyle implications.
On screen, Big Boy Trev was electric. With a commanding presence and a warm, engaging tone, he made motoring reviews feel exciting and accessible.
His show, Cars with Big Boy Trev, ran weekly on NTV, airing reviews of both international models and vehicles tailored to the Kenyan market.
Trev knew his audience. He didn’t just talk about turbochargers and torque—he tackled topics like fuel efficiency on Kenyan roads, spare part availability, and insurance tips. His ability to bridge aspirational content with real-world relevance made him a trusted voice, not just a flashy presenter.
Through partnerships with Nation Media Group, Trev successfully married print, television, and digital, paving the way for automotive journalism in Kenya to be treated with the same seriousness as news or sports.
News of his death has triggered an outpouring of grief and admiration online.
Fellow car enthusiast Khalif Kairo posted:“He really helped open doors for me in the industry. Big Boy Trev was a true OG. Rest easy, my friend.”
Motoring content creator Waigera said:“Before Trev, car journalism in Kenya was dry and foreign. He made it Kenyan. He made it cool.”
He featured up-and-coming reviewers, advised creators on monetization, and consulted for auto brands in Kenya and the wider East African region.
He was also Editor-in-Chief at Cullinan Media, worked with AutoVault, and helped shape dealership marketing strategies and vehicle awareness campaigns.
Trev’s influence went beyond cars. He advocated for road safety, promoted locally-assembled vehicles, and urged for more sustainable transport systems.
He elevated motoring content in Kenya from fringe commentary to a full-blown industry. He spoke to CEOs and students, gearheads and green drivers alike. And in doing so, he helped shape how a generation of Kenyans approached the road—not just with excitement, but with information, curiosity, and pride.
He once said,“Cars aren’t just machines—they’re experiences, they’re freedom. If I can help someone understand that, then I’ve done my job.”