Gearhaus

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...

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 w...

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:...

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 les...

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...

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...

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 Gearhau...

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 months In 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 t...

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 eco...

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...

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: Tik...

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...

One Man. One Land Cruiser. Endless Adventures - The 96lost Story From 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 s...

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/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://www...

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.co...

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....

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 pass...

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 l...

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...

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/@itsgearhaus Instagram: https://...

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: ht...

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, deto...

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...

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...

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...