Gearhaus
Gearhaus is a car podcast for anyone who loves speed, style, and stories from the streets and beyond. Each episode unpacks everything from first rides to dream cars, drag races to Dakar, and matatu culture to motorsports. Hosted by car enthusiasts with plenty of banter and brazen opinions, the show explores how cars shape identity, culture, and community. New episodes drop every week. Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
Episodes
S4 E11: Is Kenyan Manufacturing a Myth? The Truth About Local Assembly
Can Kenya really build its own automotive industry?In this episode of Gearhaus, Kalasinga and Vanilla discuss the current state of Kenya's automotive sector, exploring local vehicle assembly, government policy, market trends, and what the future could look like for manufacturing in East Africa.From the realities of "Made in Kenya" production to Isuzu's market dominance, the conve
S4 E10: What I Wish I knew Before Buying a Land Rover Defender
If you've ever dreamed of owning a Defender, this might be the reality check you need.In this episode of Gearhaus, Kalasinga and Vanilla are joined by CJ, a filmmaker and lifelong Land Rover enthusiast whose blood group is "Land Rover."From the unmatched heritage and undeniable cool factor to the constant battle against rust, leaks, and endless repairs, CJ shares what it's really
S4 E08: Why NTSA’s New Instant Fine System is Completely Broken
Is NTSA actually making our roads safer, or is the rollout creating more problems than it solves?In this episode, Kalasinga and Vanilla are joined by a special guest (the original Gearhaus host) to unpack one of the biggest topics in Kenya's motoring scene: the new NTSA instant fine system and the upcoming mandatory private vehicle inspections.While fair, automated traffic enforcement is somet
S4 E07: Which Cars Are Kenyans Actually Buying? - REAL DATA!
Is Kenya a copycat nation when it comes to cars? Which vehicles are actually selling, and why is the "Kimani/Auntie" car stereotype still so common?In this episode of Gearhaus, Kalasinga and Vanilla are joined by Anthony from Car 360 to answer these questions using real market data.From the popularity of the Mazda Demio and Toyota Vitz to the large number of Harriers and SUVs listed by d
S4 E06: El Gapo: The 600HP Audi TTRS Build That's Going for a 9-Second Run - Part 2
In this second episode of our two-part series with Jeremy Mwendwa (aka El Gapo), Kalasinga and Vanilla pick up right where the heartbreak left off.After the Masaku TT tire split and a frustrating serpentine belt failure, Jeremy reveals the impulsive, "on-the-moment" decision that led him to buy the Audi TTRS and how a matching watch and his daughter’s approval sealed the deal.We discuss:- The TTRS
S4 E05: El Gapo: How He Became East Africa's Fastest Drag Racer - Part 1
After winning the drag races in Konza, he parked his car and only turned it on to go to Arusha, where he also won the rolling and drag races!In this episode of Gearhaus, Kalasinga and Vanilla are joined by Jeremy Mwendwa, who is better known as El Gapo, to discuss how a simple wish to have a fast weekend car turned into a passion for being the fastest on the drag strip.From the adrenaline of his f
S4 E04: He Converts Old Kenyan Cars to Modern EFI and Builds His Own ECUs
What started as a personal project to solve his own "car headaches" has grown into a specialized business that breathes new life into vintage Mercedes-Benz, Volvos, and even Alfa Romeos.In this episode of Gearhaus, Kalasinga and Vanilla go out to meet Peter Mbiria, the mastermind behind Voltarent ECU, who is revolutionizing how we maintain and performance-tune classic vehicles.Peter’s story is one
S4 E03: Is This Kenya's Lewis Hamilton? - Amani Kinyua
What does it take for a young Kenyan to break into the world of professional motorsport?In this episode, Kalasinga and Vanilla host Amani Kinyua, one of Africa's most promising young karting talents, alongside his father, Justus Kinyua, to discuss the journey from watching Formula One on TV to competing and winning races across Africa and beyond.Amani shares how his passion for racing began, the c
S4 E02: Europe's Biggest Car Brands Are Getting It Wrong and China is Happy About It
Ferrari recently dropped their latest car, shocking the world, and not for the right reasons.What happens when legendary brands stop listening to enthusiasts? Why are Mercedes and Porsche facing growing criticism? And while Europe struggles to define the future of cars, are China and America quietly taking the lead?In this episode, Kalasinga and Vanilla are joined by Earl Karanja to discuss one of
S4 E01: Mercedes Is Making Cars Nobody Asked For - Here's What Went Wrong
We're back for another season, and we assure you, this one will be bigger than the last.To kick off the new season, we'll start right in the deep end of absolute chaos, with Kalasinga and Vanilla discussing major project car updates and also dishing some controversial modern car takes.After what feels like an eternity, Vanilla is finally giving us a detailed update on the Nissan Patrol M57 swap pr
Special Episode: Fuel Prices Are Killing Kenyan Drivers - Here's How You Can Save Money
Petrol is up by KES 28. Diesel by KES 40. At this point, owning a car in Kenya is no longer just about convenience. Now, you have to be strategic.In this special out-of-season episode, we get into the finer details of what these increases mean for everyday drivers and, more importantly, how you can adapt. From driving habits and maintenance to smarter trip planning, we go through practical ways to
S3 E12: The Men Building Kenya's Formula Racing Tracks - Suguroi Motorcity
A 490-acre, FIA-grade motorsport facility with a 4.4 km main track and multiple track layouts. That is the idea behind Suguroi Motorcity, an automotive hub being developed in Kenya.In the final episode of Season 3, Kalasinga and Vanilla sit down with Motho Kimotho, one of the people behind the Suguroi Motorsports Arena, to talk about what it takes to bring this vision to life. They discuss how the
S3 E11: Modern Cars Are Getting Worse - The WRX Is Dead, V12s Are Gone, and Software Is Breaking Everything
Subaru is discontinuing the WRX S4 in Japan, Mercedes is phasing out the V12 in favor of V8s with similar power, and Volvo and Volkswagen are ranking among the worst vehicles in dependability due to software-related issues.In this week’s episode, Kalasinga and Vanilla discuss the current state of the car industry, which appears to be raising more questions than answers.Beyond the news, we get into
S3 E10: The Dream Cars Kenyans Buy That Turn Into Financial Nightmares
We all have a dream car we hope to own one day, or maybe you already do. People admire them, but one thing that rarely gets talked about is the true cost of ownership.In this episode, Kalasinga and Vanilla talk about high-performance cars that are expensive to maintain, the hidden complexity behind routine servicing, the risks of poorly modified 4x4 suspension setups and death wobble, why old luxu
S3 E09: Civil Engineers Finally Explain Why Nairobi's Roads Are Always a Disaster
Why are there so many speed bumps? Do speed limits actually make sense, and can roads be designed in a way that forces better driving behavior?In this episode of Gearhaus, Kalasinga and Vanilla sit down with June and Gakii, two civil engineers by profession, to break down the real issues affecting Kenyan roads, and it’s deeper than just traffic.We get into:The logic (and misuse) of speed bumpsWhy
Special Episode: The Truth About Buying a BMW in Kenya - What Inchcape Won't Tell You
In this short episode of Gearhaus, Kalasinga and Vanilla sit down with two technicians from Inchcape Kenya, the official dealer for BMW in Kenya.They walk us through what it really means to work on modern BMWs, the level of training and diagnostics involved, and what sets dealership technicians apart from independent mechanics.From specialized tools and factory software to continuous technical tra
S3 E08: One Man, One Car, 6,000 KM From Nairobi to Cape Town
The Peugeot 504 is one of the most legendary cars ever built for African roads. Known for its incredible durability, long-travel suspension, and simple mechanical design, it earned a reputation as a car that could survive almost anywhere. But can a decades-old car with a carburetor engine still handle a continental road trip in 2026?In this episode of Gearhaus, Kalasinga and Vanilla host a man att
S3 E07: Kenya's Subaru Master Tuner Just Bought a BMW - Here's Why
What is the philosophy behind tuning, why do many builds fail, and what does it actually take to make reliable power from Subaru platforms?In Part 2 of the conversation with KunChris, Kalasinga and Vanilla move from the origin story into the technical world of tuning and high-performance builds.We also explore a surprising chapter in his journey - his decision to buy a BMW M135i, a very rare car i
S3 E06: Calvin De Souza: Inside Kenya's Wildest Car Building Workshop
From 2JZ-GTE-powered hot rods to flame-throwing V8 Ford pickups and a Suzuki Samurai transformed into a drift-spec Altezza in just seven days, Calvin de Souza doesn't do ordinary.His builds are bold, chopped, candy-painted, and unapologetically loud, yet beneath it all lies a level of engineering precision that might just surprise you.In this episode of Gearhaus, Kalasinga and Vanilla sit down wit
S3 E05: Before Social Media Builds, There Was Mama Legacy - The KunChris Story
Long before dyno graphs and big-budget builds became common, KunChris was pushing boundaries and converting a naturally aspirated Subaru Legacy into a turbocharged street missile that embarrassed cars far above its class.In this first part, Kalasinga and Vanilla sit with KunChris to discuss the origins of Kenya’s Subaru tuning scene and the story behind the legendary "Mama Legacy."We talk about:Ho
S3 E04: Mara Nomads Part 2: Overlanding Across Africa's Wildest Roads
From touring humanity's cradle at Koobi Fora with an 8-month-old baby to conquering the sand dunes of Namibia's Empty Quarter, the chief Nomad takes us on a journey through building one of Africa's most daring overland communities.In the second part of this two-part episode, wakilinomad (as he's popularly known) shares the adventures of traveling to some of the most remote parts of Kenya, the less
S3 E03: How Mara Nomads Started Overlanding Africa | The Cars and The Journey (Part 1)
From touring humanity's cradle at Koobi Fora with an 8-month-old baby to conquering the sand dunes of Namibia's Empty Quarter, the chief Nomad takes us on a journey through building one of Africa's most daring overland communities.In the first part of this two-part episode, wakilinomad (as he's popularly known) shares how his fledgling dreams of building a tour company were nearly crushed by the C
S3 E02: Hybrid Ownership in Kenya: The Truth About Batteries, Costs & Repairs
Thinking of buying a hybrid in Kenya? They say hybrid cars are "good for the environment," but are they also good for your wallet or your sanity when the mechanic gives you a bill that could pay the country's entire debt?In this episode, Kalasinga and Vanilla are joined by hybrid expert Nyambura the Motorist to answer the burning question: are hybrids really made for Kenyan roads, or are we just p
S3 E01: The Cars Every Kenyan Will Be Buying in 2026
Season 3 of Gearhaus kicks off with predictions for the most popular cars Kenyans could buy in 2026, based on market trends and upcoming releases.In this episode, Kalasinga and Vanilla break down highlights from recent motor shows, discuss new vehicle launches and sales figures from South Africa and Japan, and explore fuel efficiency trends and the impact of the grey import market.Follow Gearhaus
S2 E12: Nairobi to Norway in a Land Rover! The Alpha Land Rover Story (Part 2)
Kim Musau, who is better known as Alpha Land Rover, successfully completed an epic solo journey from Nairobi, Kenya, to Nordkapp, Norway, driving his 1997 Land Rover Defender 110 over 18,000 km across 16 countries in 3 monthsIn this final episode of a two-part series, Kim sits with Kalasinga and Vanilla to tell the story of this feat that followed a massive 33,000 km African expedition, proving th
S2 E11: Conversations with Carnversations
Ibrahim Toloi is his name, but many know him as Papa Askofu or the face behind Carnversations, one of the biggest car review shows in Kenya.In this episode of Gearhaus, Kalasinga and Vanilla sit down with Toloi to discuss the Toyota Hilux six-speed automatic gearbox and compare a range of vehicles, from hatchbacks to luxury sedans.The conversation also covers build quality, performance, fuel econo
S2 E10: Kay Wachira - From Underground Racing to Time Trials
Kay Wachira is a legend in the underground racing scene.From his early days pushing the boundaries of what a car can do to time trials in the more established competitions, Kay speaks with Kalasinga and Vanilla about the rich history of motorsports, car modifications, and what it takes to organize a successful motoring event.Guest:Kay Wachira: https://www.instagram.com/kaywachira/Follow Gearhaus o
S2 E09: Cape Town to Cairo in a Defender! The Alpha Land Rover Story (Part 1)
Gearhaus' first installment of a seasoned overlander is brought to you by Kim Musau, who is better known as Alpha Landrover.With his 1997 Land Rover Defender 110, Kim sits with Vanilla and Kalasinga and recounts the vehicle's extensive travel history across Africa and beyond, with tales that you would not believe.Guest:Kim Musau: https://www.instagram.com/alphalandrover/Follow Gearhaus on:TikTok:
S2 E08: How DJ Stretch Built Kenya's Fastest Golf GTI (Masinga TT Winner)
He built Kenya's fastest Golf - and then won the Masinga TT Drags! In this episode, Vanilla & Kalasinga sit down with DJ Stretch, the man behind the record-breaking Golf MK6, for an hour of pure banter, automotive breakdowns, and build secrets.From sleepless nights in the garage to race day madness, DJ Stretch reveals what it really takes to go from stock to unstoppable.Guest:DJ Stretch: h
S2 E07: I've Been Sleeping Outside by Choice - Life on the Road with 96 Lost
One Man. One Land Cruiser. Endless Adventures - The 96lost StoryFrom sunrise drone shots to roadside repairs, 96 Lost has turned his off-road journeys into a YouTube adventure diary that captures the true spirit of exploration in Kenya.In this Gearhaus episode, we dive into how he films his travels, the funniest breakdown moments, and what it really takes to live the overlanding dream, African sty
S2 E06: Studio Chaos with Turbo Tales - Car Stories You Won't Believe!
What happens when Gearhaus meets Turbo Tales in one studio? Pure chaos! Vanilla and Kalasinga go head-to-head with Lookie and Georgie for an hour of raw banter, wild car stories, and pure Kenyan petrolhead energy.Expect laughter, nostalgia, and unexpected truths about what makes Kenyan car culture so addictive.Follow Gearhaus on:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhausInstagram: https://www.ins
S2 E05: How to Import a Car from Japan to Kenya Without Getting Scammed!
Buying a used car in Kenya can be a total nightmare — shady deals, hidden faults, and endless hustles. Vanilla and Kalasinga team up with Joan from 4Real to expose the real drama behind the market and share pro tips to avoid getting scammed.💡 From spotting fake odometers to negotiating like a boss, this is your must-watch guide before buying that car.Guests:Joan 4Real: https://www.instagram.com/4r
S2 E04: Buying a Used Car in Kenya? Here's the Real Drama
Buying a used car in Kenya can be a total nightmare that includes shady deals, hidden faults, and endless hustles.Vanilla and Kalasinga team up with Joan from 4Real to expose the real drama behind the market and share pro tips to avoid getting scammed.💡 From spotting fake odometers to negotiating like a boss, this is your must-watch guide before buying that car.Guests:Joan 4Real: https://www.insta
S2 E03: 2 Million KM on One VW Kombi! - Africa's Craziest Car Story
What does it take to push an old car to 2 million kilometers? Or to breath new life into a pile of rust and turn it into a Concours-winning masterpiece?In this episode of Gearhaus, Vanilla and Kalasinga sit down with Warui, who is renowned for his work restoring VW Kombis, and Burukulyn, a restorer of both cars and chrome.Together, they reveal their journeys into automotive restoration, the passio
S2 E02: The Problem with Car Insurance In Kenya
Motor insurance in Kenya remains a contentious issue that creates friction between insurers, vehicle owners, and repair shops.Many car owners feel that insurers are quick to collect premiums but become evasive when claims arise, often directing their clients to garages that deliver substandard work. Another common concern is vehicle valuation, which is sometimes based on limited information and le
S2 E01: We Took These Cars on a 1,000 KM Roadtrip - You'll Be Shocked Which One Won!
In the premiere of Gearhaus Season 2, Vanilla and Kalasinga take you back to the very first Gearhaus Roadtrip - the cars that turned heads, the unexpected highlights on the highway, and the banter that made it unforgettable.They break down what stood out most about the machines on show, discuss how different vehicles are really perceived in Kenya, and imagine which cars would bring the most fun if
S1 E12: Waigera & The Cameramani
Gearhaus Season 1 is coming to a close, and we’re wrapping it up with Marvin Waigera as he shares his journey of building a brand, starting from his high school days and growing into one of the most respected automotive reviewers today.It’s a fun, laughter-filled conversation and the perfect way to end the season.Follow Gearhaus on:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhausInstagram: https://www.
S1 E11: Earl Karanja - Journey to Mars
In the final episode of our three-part series with Earl, we explore how people find and choose their dream supercars, and how Earl built a global client base along the way.He also shares stories from his early days working at the embassy, where creativity and hustle were key to getting the job done. It’s proof that car smarts and street smarts often go hand in hand.Follow Gearhaus on:TikTok: https
S1 E10: TurboDiesel Unplugged - Alex Mwanzo
In this chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly insightful episode of Gearhaus, we’re joined by the one and only Alex Mwanzo, better known as TurboDiesel.He’s Kenya’s EV whisperer and a part-time collector of half-finished car projects. From broken-down BMW E30s to Toyotas that probably should have been left in the scrapyard, Alex takes us on a tour of his legendary workshop filled with dreams, detou
S1 E09: Driven Ambitions - Earl Karanja’s Personal Journey in Kenya’s Car Scene
In this special three-part Gearhaus series, we sit down with Earl Karanja, Kenya’s leading automotive journalist, content creator, and supercar dealer, for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of car culture in the country.We explore the economics of car ownership as Earl unpacks the hidden layers of taxation, the real cost of dream cars, and why your favorite model can cost three times
S1 E08: Meet Kenya’s Fastest Girl Racer - Shlee & Her Insane Golf R Build
In this episode of Gearhaus, we sit down with Shlee, Kenya’s fastest female drag racer, to explore her journey from car enthusiast to street racing icon.She talks about building her powerful Golf R, what it takes to dominate the strip, and how she’s breaking barriers in a male-dominated scene. From tuning secrets to future dream builds, Shlee shares her story like never before.Follow Gearhaus on:T
S1 E07: Price Shock - Unpacking Kenya's Car Taxes with Earl Karanja
In this special three-part Gearhaus series, we sit down with Earl Karanja, Kenya’s leading automotive journalist, content creator, and supercar dealer, for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of car culture in the country.We explore the economics of car ownership as Earl unpacks the hidden layers of taxation, the real cost of dream cars, and why your favorite model can cost three times
S1 E06: Cars for Every Budget (Part 3)
This is the final episode of the three-part series of cars for every budget in Kenya. In this episode we discuss hatchbacks, sedans, crossovers, and SUVs that fall between KES 2 million and KES 5 million.Follow Gearhaus on:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2IGearhaus is a Pala
S1 E05: Nissan Patrol Y61 - Built Tough by Geco
In this episode, we get up close with car 46: A Y61 Nissan Patrol that is built to go where other patrols haven't been.Mateus of Geco Expeditions joins us to talk about what inspired them to join the Rhino Charge, what it's all about and what it takes to build the ultimate rock crawler.Follow Gearhaus on:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgea
S1 E04: Cars for Every Budget (Part 2)
Need wheels? Got a bit of cash to splash? In this episode of Gearhaus, we plunge headfirst into the wild world of car buying in Kenya, from beat 100K beater sedans to sleek 2M cruisers.Each of us picks our favorite sedans, midsize SUVs, and full-size SUVs at every budget level. Expect banter, beef, and bold takes. 🚗🔥We talk about pros, cons, surprises, and what to absolutely avoid, so whether you’
S1 E03: Cars for Every Budget (Part 1)
Need wheels? Got a bit of cash to splash? In this episode of Gearhaus, we plunge headfirst into the wild world of car buying in Kenya, from beat 100K beater sedans to sleek 2M cruisers.Each of us picks our favorite sedans, midsize SUVs, and full-size SUVs at every budget level. Expect banter, beef, and bold takes. 🚗🔥We talk about pros, cons, surprises, and what to absolutely avoid, so whether you’
S1 E02: The GTR Killer - Roy Otto Talks About KitKat and Tuning Cars in Kenya
What does it really take to build a race-winning car in Kenya? Can you daily drive a fully tuned machine? In this explosive episode of Gearhaus, Kalasinga and Vanilla are joined by Leroy of KitKat fame to break down the thrills, challenges, and secrets behind car tuning and Racewars Kenya.From street-legal beasts to garage-built legends, we go deep into Kenya’s underground racing scene.🔧 What is t
S1 E01: Ready, Set... Go
Where did the passion for cars come from? This is the pilot episode of the Gearhaus podcast.Follow Gearhaus on:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2IGearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
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