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. From newcomers to lifelong petrolheads, there’s always something for you under the hood.

New episodes drop every week.

Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.

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20 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 10 min
English

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S4 · E12
Wednesday · 1 hr 17 min
Special Episode: 222 Days, One Land Cruiser: Driving From London to Nairobi
What does it take to drive halfway across the world?In this episode of Gearhaus, Kalasinga and Vanilla meet Sam and Em, better known as The Adventure Way, who spent 222 days driving from London to Nairobi in a 1976 Toyota Land Cruiser.Through this special episode, we learn everything including preparation, border crossings, breakdowns, mechanical challenges, and the sheer determination required to complete a 20,000km overland roadtrip across two continents.Some of the things to expect:- The '76 Land Cruiser: Why the Toyota Land Cruiser was chosen for a trans-continental expedition and how it was modified to survive 7 months on the road.- The Route: Following the journey through Europe, the Sahara, and East Africa, including the toughest terrains and most rewarding stops along the way.- Border Realities: What it really takes to cross international borders with a vehicle, from visas and Carnet de Passage to the logistical challenges of moving between countries.- Mechanical Survival: How to deal with breakdowns in remote locations and the essential spare parts and tools needed for a journey of this scale.- The Human Side: The kindness of strangers, unexpected friendships, and encounters that shaped the journey across dozens of cultures.- 222 Days on the Road: What 7 months of continuous travel teaches you about resilience, independence, and seeing the world differently.If you had 222 days and one vehicle, where would you go?Guest:The Adventure Way: https://www.instagram.com/the.adventure.way/Special thanks to Geco Cafe for hosting us and being so gracious: https://www.instagram.com/geco.cafe/Follow Gearhaus on:Website: https://www.itsgearhaus.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2IGearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S4 · E11
August 5 · 1 hr 36 min
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 conversation explores why local assembly has struggled to reach its full potential, whether government policy can change consumer behavior, and how Chinese manufacturers and electric vehicles could change the industry over the coming years. Some of the things to expect: - The "Made in Kenya" Reality: Understanding the difference between CKD and SKD assembly, Kenya's production capacity, and why local plants remain largely underutilized. - Isuzu's Winning Formula: How Isuzu East Africa captured over half of Kenya's new vehicle market through product strategy, after-sales support, innovative financing, and a deep understanding of local customer needs. - The National Automotive Policy: A discussion on the government's proposal to gradually phase out used car imports, and whether encouraging local assembly requires incentives as much as restrictions. - The Chinese Wave & EV Opportunity: How emerging Chinese brands are changing the commercial vehicle market, and why Kenya could position itself as a future hub for EV manufacturing in Africa. - The KES 11 Million "Bullet": Why buying a luxury car is often hardest the first time, and how Kenya's trade-in culture helps owners move up the automotive ladder. - The Ineos Grenadier Journey: The remarkable Nairobi-to-UK expedition and what it reveals about the capabilities and reliability of the Grenadier. - Motorsport's New Chapter: What recent changes within Kenya's motorsport federation could mean for rallying and the future of local motorsport. - Farewell to the W16: Reflecting on the end of Bugatti's legendary W16 engine and the close of an extraordinary engineering era. - Our Top Locally Assembled Picks: The team's favorite vehicles built in Kenya, including the Isuzu M-UX and the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser 79. Guest: Robert Mwirigi: https://www.instagram.com/Mwirigi Follow Gearhaus on: Website: https://www.itsgearhaus.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S4 · E10
July 30 · 1 hr 9 min
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 like living with one of the world's most iconic 4x4s. Through stories from his own builds and years of ownership, we learn why so many people fall in love with Defenders despite knowing they'll never be the easiest vehicles to own. Some of the things to expect from this episode: - Land Rover News: Our thoughts on Ferrari's new "fake manual" transmission and Audi's shift toward China-specific vehicle designs. - The Defender Reality: Why buying a running, driving Defender is the golden rule, and the biggest mistakes to avoid when shopping for a project. - The Puma Engine: Why CJ prefers the 2.4 and 2.2 Puma engines, the compromises they come with, and the truth behind popular 3.2 Ford engine swaps. - Building the Perfect Defender: A closer look at CJ's two very different builds, including a black utility-focused daily driver and an open-top beach cruiser built for Sunday adventures. - Life With a Landie: From fitting into the cabin at 6'4", to driving without A?C, and why your right arm will always need sunscreen. Guest: CJ: https://www.instagram.com/athena_defender/ Follow Gearhaus on: Website: https://www.itsgearhaus.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S4 · E8
July 15 · 1 hr 14 min
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 something many motorists have supported for years, how it's been implemented in Kenya has raised serious concerns. From confusing 50 km/h speed limits to poor signage and unclear communication, we explore whether the system is ready for nationwide enforcement. We discuss: - NTSA's Love-Hate Relationship: Why removing human bias from traffic enforcement is a positive step, but poor communication and inconsistent implementation are undermining public confidence. - The 50 km/h Debate: We examine roads like the Northern Bypass and Lang'ata Road, where missing, obstructed, or unrealistic speed limit signs leave drivers questioning whether enforcement is truly fair. - Mandatory Vehicle Inspections: What the new KS 1515 standards could mean for private vehicle owners, including how common modifications such as lift kits, bull bars, and DPF deletes may be affected. - Why Red-Light Cameras First Made More Sense: We discuss why focusing on dangerous intersections could have built stronger public support before introducing widespread highway speed enforcement. - Lessons from the Michuki Era: We take a look back at how stakeholder engagement and public participation helped make past road safety reforms more successful and why that approach feels absent today. - The Big Question: Is Nairobi's current road signage adequate for automated enforcement? And should driver re-testing come before mandatory vehicle inspections? Guest: Mwirigi: https://www.instagram.com/Mwirigi Follow Gearhaus on: Website: https://www.itsgearhaus.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S4 · E7
July 8 · 1 hr 12 min
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 dealers, they explore the gap between the cars people search for and the ones that are actually available. They discuss: - Global news, including Lewis Hamilton's first Ferrari win, the so-called "Kardashian Effect," Toyota's victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and why American sports cars are starting to sound better than many European models. - The spy in your car, including why Polestar faces restrictions in the US and how inward-facing cameras are becoming more common in modern vehicles. - Toyota RAV4 demand in the US and why dealerships struggle to keep one on the lot for more than two weeks. - A look at Kenyan car trends as Anthony reveals the 10 most-viewed vehicles on Car 360, including where the Toyota Probox ranks. - Resale value and reliability, and why many Kenyans still avoid Volvos and Hondas despite their strong reputations. - How Car 360 brings car buying, selling, and vehicle verification together in one place. Guest: Cars 360: https://cars360.co.ke/ Follow Gearhaus on: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ Website: https://www.itsgearhaus.com/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S4 · E6
July 1 · 1 hr 4 min
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 Struggle: Fixing a car isn't always straightforward. We talk about replacing turbo cores, repairing cracked manifolds, and tracking down the vacuum actuator leak that was preventing the car from making full power. - The Build Philosophy: Instead of buying a new kit, Jeremy explains why it's better to get the most out of your current setup before upgrading the engine, transmission, and chasing 9-second quarter-mile times. - Knowledge Is Power: Jeremy shares why mechanical skills alone aren't enough. He explains how hours spent on Audi forums and more than 30 Facebook groups helped him understand the platform and solve problems. - GTR vs. RS7 vs. TTRS: Which offers the best driving experience? Jeremy explains why the GTR's raw, engaging feel stands out compared to the smooth, effortless performance of the RS7. - The Future of Kenyan Racing: We discuss the growing focus on drag racing, the upcoming August events, and why better safety measures and spectator discipline are becoming increasingly important as cars get faster. Guest: Jeremy Mwendwa: https://www.instagram.com/elgapo700 Follow Gearhaus on: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S4 · E5
June 24 · 1 hr 16 min
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 first-ever pull in the Audi RS7 to the mechanical heartbreaks of snapped axles, Jeremy shares the full story behind his journey with the RS7, the GTR, and now the dominant TTRS. We get into: - Why we think the new Audi A6 Allroad might be the ultimate all-rounder (even with the mild-hybrid controversy). - Discussing the Nio ET9’s "Sky Ride" chassis and how European manufacturers are struggling to keep pace. - Jeremy’s experience maintaining a Discovery 4 and why 3,000km service intervals are a non-negotiable for Land Rover owners. - Why the GTR had to go: The staggering reality of $80k billet blocks and $24k transmission upgrades when you’re chasing 1,000+ horsepower. Guest: Jeremy Mwendwa: https://www.instagram.com/elgapo700 Follow Gearhaus on: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S4 · E4
June 17 · 1 hr 25 min
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 of pure innovation. Born out of the frustration of dealing with unreliable mechanical fuel systems on his own 190E, he decided to build his own standalone ECU from scratch. Now, he narrates his technical journey of moving from basic 8-bit controllers to high-performance processors capable of managing everything from fuel delivery to complex ignition timing in real-time.Watch this episode and learn how:- Peter replaces the notoriously finicky Bosch K-Jetronic "spider" systems with modern, programmable EFI.- A look at Peter’s custom firmware that uses real-time mathematical formulas instead of traditional lookup tables.- A walk-through of a converted 450 SLC and the story of the 190E that outran the competition after its digital transformation.- Peter shows off his custom 3D-printed intake adapters and a sneak peek at his experimental air suspension research.Peter is truly an incredible talent in Kenya who proves that with enough R&D, you can make a 1970s classic as reliable and fast as a modern machine.Guest:Peter Mbiria: https://www.instagram.com/petermbiriaFollow Gearhaus on:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/Spotify: WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2IGearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S4 · E4
June 11 · 57 min
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 challenges of pursuing motorsport in Kenya, and what it's like competing against some of the best young drivers on the continent. From his first experience behind the wheel to standing on podiums in South Africa and the UAE, this conversation offers a rare look into the dedication, sacrifices, and support system required to build a career in motorsport.With ambitions set on Formula One, the sky is the limit for Amani Kinyua.In this Episode:- How Amani discovered motorsport- Starting a racing career in Kenya- The role of family support in professional karting- Competing internationally in South Africa and the UAE- The challenges facing young African racing drivers- Winning races and building a reputation in motorsport- The dream of reaching Formula One- The future of motorsport in Kenya and AfricaGuest:Amani KinyuaFollow 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.
S4 · E2
June 3 · 1 hr 32 min
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 the biggest conversations currently taking place in the automotive world. We discuss Ferrari's controversial new EV, Mercedes' changing identity, Porsche's EV challenges, the rise of Chinese manufacturers, the return of American performance vehicles, and whether traditional car brands are losing touch with the people who made them successful in the first place. It is clear that the automotive industry is changing faster than ever, and equally obvious that not everyone is happy about it. Guest: Earl Karanja: https://www.instagram.com/earl.karanja/ Follow Gearhaus on: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S4 · E1
May 27 · 53 min
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 project, including: Importing custom drivetrain parts Suspension and cooling upgrades Why "plug-and-play" swaps are never actually plug-and-play Reliability vs. Power when building a serious off-road machine Turbo choices, transmission adapters, chassis bracing & more If you’ve ever wanted to understand what REALLY goes into building a proper project car, you'll want to listen to this. The hosts also get into: The Nürburgring front-wheel-drive record battle between the Civic Type R and VW Golf GTI Edition 50 Why Mercedes-AMG’s new electric direction has enthusiasts worried The golden era of Mercedes-Benz Modern car technology is becoming way too complicated Why Chinese EV manufacturers are dominating the electric car space The hidden frustrations of modern luxury cars But we saved the best part for last... the much-awaited Gearhaus Roadtrip III is officially happening this August! Welcome to Season 4! Follow Gearhaus on: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
April 22 · 1 hr 7 min
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 reduce your fuel spend without completely changing your lifestyle. We’re also joined by Linnet Kitonga from G-Rani, a carpooling platform built to help people share rides and split costs in a more structured and reliable way. With fuel prices where they are, solutions like these are slowly turning from optional to necessary. This is one of those moments where car ownership, transport, and even how we move around the city might have to change. Guest Linnet Kitonga - https://www.instagram.com/grani_ke?igsh=MTBvYzRtd2tpcTZybw== Follow Gearhaus on: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S3 · E12
April 8 · 1 hr 27 min
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 project is designed as a full destination that includes leisure spaces, hospitality, and residential areas to support it over the long term. Kimotho also explains how Suguroi is working with the local community through training and outreach, with the goal of making automotive engineering and driving more accessible. For many Kenyans, motorsports has mostly been something to watch from a distance. If Suguroi succeeds, that could start to change. Guests: Suguroi Motorcity: https://www.youtube.com/@SuguroiMotorCity Follow Gearhaus on: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S3 · E11
April 1 · 58 min
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 a more unfiltered discussion about what’s really happening to modern cars. Are they actually getting better, or are we losing the driving experience, reliability, and character that made cars enjoyable in the first place? We also talk about our ongoing Nissan Patrol M57 swap project and how close Kalasinga came to ditching his Swift Sport for a diesel BMW X6. Follow Gearhaus on: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S3 · E10
March 25 · 52 min
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 luxury cars can quickly drain your wallet, and what happens when major components in hybrids fail over time. This is the side of car ownership most people don’t talk about. Follow Gearhaus on: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S3 · E9
March 18 · 1 hr 6 min
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 bumps Why speed limits are set the way they are The problem with disorganized traffic flow Lack of standardization in road design Whether engineering can compensate for poor driving habits This is a proper discussion of how infrastructure, policy, and human behavior all collide on our roads, and what needs to change to make driving safer and more predictable. If you’ve ever wondered why driving in Kenya feels unnecessarily chaotic, this episode will connect the dots for you. Guests: June Mutwiri Victoria Gakii Follow Gearhaus on: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
March 15 · 16 min
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 training, Njeri and Bernard give us a quick behind-the-scenes look at how BMWs are properly serviced and maintained. This is a glimpse inside an official BMW workshop and the people and expertise behind it. Guests: Njeri - BMW Technician, Inchcape Kenya Bernard - BMW Technician, Inchcape Kenya Follow Gearhaus on: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S3 · E8
March 11 · 1 hr 2 min
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 attempting one of the most ambitious road trips imaginable: driving a 40-year-old Peugeot 504 from Nairobi all the way to Cape Town. In this conversation we discuss: Why he chose a Peugeot 504 for the journey The preparation needed to drive across multiple African countries Maintaining a carburetor engine on the road Spare parts, tools, and roadside repairs The realities of long-distance driving across Africa The legendary reputation of the Peugeot 504 on African roads If you love classic cars, road trips, mechanical simplicity, and the enduring spirit of adventure, this episode is for you. Guest: Edward: https://www.instagram.com/project504africa Website: https://project504africa.lovable.app/ Follow Gearhaus on: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/ WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2I Gearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
S3 · E7
March 4 · 1 hr 44 min
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 in Kenya. Despite the reputation BMWs have for reliability issues, his ownership experience has been overwhelmingly positive.We talk about:- The philosophy behind tuning Subarus- Common mistakes people make when modifying cars- Why reliability depends more on the build than the badge- Why KunChris chose a BMW M135i- The myths surrounding BMW ownership- Advice for anyone considering buying a BMW- Some of the wild builds KunChris has worked on, including the fastest 100–200 km/h Subaru in AfricaThis episode is an in-depth exploration into performance engineering, car ownership realities, and the mindset behind building truly fast machines.If you’re a Subaru fan, a tuner, or just someone who is looking to start their BMW ownership journey, do not miss this one!Guest:Christopher: https://www.instagram.com/kunchris/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.
S3 · E6
February 25 · 1 hr 13 min
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 with the renowned custom car builder to find out what drives a man who has made a career out of turning scrap metal into outrageous, head-turning machines.This is not just a conversation about cars. It’s a conversation about vision, fabrication, rebellion, and building machines that refuse to be ignored.Guest: Calvin De SouzaFollow 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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