Gearhaus

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.

  1. 5d ago

    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.

  2. Jul 8

    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.

  3. Jul 1

    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.

  4. Jun 17

    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.

  5. Jun 11

    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.

  6. May 27

    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.

About

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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