Gearhaus
Gearhaus
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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.
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S4 E06: El Gapo: What It Takes to Build a 600HP Audi TTRS - Part 2 01.07.2026 1год 4хвIn 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/elgapo700Follow 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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S4 E05: El Gapo: How He Became East Africa's Fastest Drag Racer - Part 1 24.06.2026 1год 16хвAfter 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/elgapo700Follow 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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S4 E04: He Tunes 1970s Classic Cars With a Laptop (And They're Fast!) 17.06.2026 1год 25хвWhat 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.
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S4 E03: Is This Kenya's Lewis Hamilton? - Amani Kinyua 11.06.2026 57хвWhat 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.
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S4 E02: Europe's Biggest Car Brands Are Getting It Wrong and China is Happy About It 03.06.2026 1год 32хвFerrari 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/@itsgearhausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2IGearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
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S4 E01: Has Mercedes Finally Lost The Plot? 27.05.2026 53хвWe'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 partsSuspension and cooling upgradesWhy "plug-and-play" swaps are never actually plug-and-playReliability vs. Power when building a serious off-road machineTurbo choices, transmission adapters, chassis bracing & moreIf 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 50Why Mercedes-AMG’s new electric direction has enthusiasts worriedThe golden era of Mercedes-BenzModern car technology is becoming way too complicatedWhy Chinese EV manufacturers are dominating the electric car spaceThe hidden frustrations of modern luxury carsBut 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/@itsgearhausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2IGearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
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Special Episode: Surviving Kenya’s New Fuel Pump Prices 22.04.2026 1год 7хвPetrol 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.GuestLinnet Kitonga - https://www.instagram.com/grani_ke?igsh=MTBvYzRtd2tpcTZybw==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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S3 E12: The Men Building Kenya's Formula Racing Tracks - Suguroi Motorcity 08.04.2026 1год 27хвA 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/@SuguroiMotorCityFollow 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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S3 E11: WRX Discontinued, V12s Dying & Cars Full of Bugs - What’s Going On? 01.04.2026 58хвSubaru 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/@itsgearhausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2IGearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
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S3 E10: Dream Cars That Turn Into Nightmares 25.03.2026 52хвWe 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/@itsgearhausInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgearhaus/WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7MoK22Jl8Epvkjrz2IGearhaus is a Palahala Media Group production.
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S3 E09: Out-Engineering Chaos - Civil Engineers Explain Kenya’s Road Problems 18.03.2026 1год 6хвWhy 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 speed limits are set the way they areThe problem with disorganized traffic flowLack of standardization in road designWhether engineering can compensate for poor driving habitsThis 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 MutwiriVictoria GakiiFollow 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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Special Episode: Why Worry About Your BMW While Inchcape Exists 15.03.2026 16хвIn 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 KenyaBernard - BMW Technician, Inchcape KenyaFollow 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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S3 E08: Meet the Man Driving From Nairobi to Cape Town in a 40-Year-Old Peugeot 504 11.03.2026 1год 2хвThe 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 journeyThe preparation needed to drive across multiple African countriesMaintaining a carburetor engine on the roadSpare parts, tools, and roadside repairsThe realities of long-distance driving across AfricaThe legendary reputation of the Peugeot 504 on African roadsIf 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/project504africaWebsite: https://project504africa.lovable.app/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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S3 E07: Why a Subaru Master Tuner Bought a BMW - The KunChris Story (Part 2) 04.03.2026 1год 44хвWhat 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.
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S3 E06: Kenya's Wildest Car Builder - Inside the Mind and Garage of Calvin De Souza 25.02.2026 1год 13хвFrom 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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S3 E05: Before Social Media Builds, There Was Mama Legacy - The KunChris Story (Part 1) 18.02.2026 1год 23хвLong 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:How he got into tuningThe early days of Kenya’s car performance cultureBuilding Mama Legacy from the ground upCrazy road trips with fellow enthusiastsWhat truly makes a "driver’s car?"Why some cars feel special, and others don’tThis is Part 1 of a multiple-part series where we explore tuning philosophy, motorsport, and the technical side of building fast but reliable cars.If you’re a Subaru fan, a tuner, or just someone who loves proper driver’s cars, do not miss this one!Guest:KunChris: 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.
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S3 E04: The Journey Of Overlanding with a Nomad - Mara Nomads (Part 2) 11.02.2026 1год 8хвFrom 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 lessons he's learned on the way (including why A/C is king when overlanding), and also some of his best destinations, both past and future.Guest:wakilinomad: https://www.instagram.com/wakilinomadFollow 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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S3 E03: How Mara Nomads Started Overlanding Africa (Part 1) 04.02.2026 1год 5хвFrom 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 COVID pandemic. But like a dune rising grain by grain, he built himself into a towering nomad. He weighs in on the Land Cruiser debate and reveals why his first vehicle for the road was a Mitsubishi Pajero.Guest:wakilinomad: https://www.instagram.com/wakilinomadFollow 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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S3 E02: Hybrid Ownership in Kenya - The Truth About Batteries, Costs & Repairs 28.01.2026 1год 16хвThinking 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 paying more for quiet engines?We also discuss:How hybrid cars handle the different conditions of Kenyan roadsThe real costs and challenges of owning a hybrid carOur ranking of the best hybrid brands for the Kenyan marketGuest:Nyambura the Motorist: https://www.instagram.com/nyamburathemotoristFollow 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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S3 E01: Cars Kenyans Will Buy in 2026 21.01.2026 56хвSeason 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 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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