Dennis Ombachi, the cooking internet sensation, is the only Kenyan in the TikTok Change Makers Program. He was handpicked alongside other 50 inductees from around the world. In Africa, only four content creators on TikTok have been selected.
TikTok Change Makers Program
This is the first ever global social impact initiative from the short-video platform. The initiative is to spotlight content creators and NGOs impacting change in their communities through TikTok. It seeks to educate, advocate, and inspire communities to drive positive and timeless change.
TikTok will donate USD 1 Million through the TikTok Change Makers Grant. TikTok will donate to more than 30 global and local NGOs supporting impactful causes.
Dennis plus each of the Changemakers will be awarded USD 25,000. This donation is meant to support their efforts in empowering their communities and championing their advocacies.
Dennis, the former international rugby sevens player, reinvented himself as a social media sensation after retiring unceremoniously due to financial constraints. “My decision was purely financial because physically, I was still able to play,” he said, “ It was straight after the pandemic and the union was struggling with sponsorship,” he added.
Fun Facts About Dennis Ombachi
- His 2018 Bipolar Disorder diagnosis led him to cook as a way hobby to maintain his mental health.
- He got his breakthrough in 2020, during the COVID pandemic, for his famous short and cheeky cooking videos and signature “Done”.
- He received the TikTok Award for Best African Content Creator in 2022.
- He has a global fan base of 2.3M followers on TikTok and 1.3 followers on Instagram.
- He was inspired by British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
- He coined himself “Roaming Chef” since he ran a culinary blog and offered his services at parties and small gigs.
Dennis has partnered with Mtoto News, a local non-profit organization giving young people a voice in the digital and tech industry to ensure safer online platforms.
“Throughout this 6-month program, we will support these creators to build engaged communities, reach new audiences, and unlock real-world opportunities through dedicated tools, resources, and donations to designated non-profit organizations, which will allow them to drive an even greater impact around their causes.” read TikTok’s statement in part.
