Brian Mokandu

Experienced Software Engineer with expertise in backend development, cloud deployment, and system integration.

Skilled in working with multiple programming languages but with strong proficiency in Java. Experienced in modernizing legacy applications, enhancing security, and building scalable microservices. Proficient in cloud computing (Azure, Kubernetes, Docker), CI/CD pipelines, API development (REST, GraphQL, SOAP), API documentation(OpenAPI, Swagger) and database management (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB).

Skilled in designing and deploying distributed caching strategies using tools like Redis to enhance application scalability and responsiveness. Adept at leading teams, mentoring engineers, and conducting technical interviews. Successfully contributed to large-scale projects, including Ardhisasa (Kenya’s National Land Information Management System).

Passionate about building high-performing, secure, and efficient applications.

Key Skills

Java: Proficient in core Java programming(8 and above), object-oriented design principles, and multithreading concepts.

Spring Framework: Extensive experience with Spring Boot, Spring MVC, Spring Data, and Spring Security for building enterprise-grade applications.

RESTful APIs: Designing and implementing RESTful APIs using best practices and industry standards.

Database Management: Working knowledge of SQL and experience with relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MsSQL and non-relational databases like Mongo.

Testing and Debugging: Writing unit tests, performing integration testing, and utilizing debugging tools to ensure code quality.

Agile Methodologies: Experience working in Agile development environments and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Version Control: Proficient in using Git for version control and collaborating with other developers.

Problem-solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues and provide efficient solutions.

Communication: Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in both independent and team-oriented settings.

Team-work: Excellent team player who believes that "We are as strong as our weakest point".

Software Engineer Consultant -

Development Gateway- An IREX Venture

• Backend development using Spring, Hibernate and JAX-RS(Jersey) integrated with PostgreSQL and MySQL database
• Optimising native SQL queries in the backend which improved application performance by 30%.
• Implemented asynchronous for frontend React User Interfaces which
• improved application load time by over 50%.
• Development of intuitive user interfaces using React and Wordpress
• gutenberg.
• Backend development using Spring boot and Spring Data
• Documentation of backend APIs using Swagger2.0
• Migration of legacy application from Spring 3 to Spring 5, Hibernate 4 to
• Hibernate 5 and Jersey 1 to Jersey 2
• Integration of Aid Information Management System with Blockchain technology
• Upgrading legacy application security to use modern security using Spring
• Security significantly reducing cases of security issues
• Deploying applications to both on premise and on-cloud servers.
• Participating in interviewing of new software engineers.

Credable Group

• Backend development using Java Spring Boot integrated with PostgreSQL database for relational data and MongoDB for non-relational data.
• Designed and implemented microservices architecture for existing system, reducing system downtime by 30%.
• Application deployment-cloud and on-site
• Added features to existing software applications to fit new customer requirements
• Tested, maintained and monitored deployed applications.
• Documentation of REST APIs using OpenAPI 3.0
• Mentored junior developers significantly improving team productivity

Cellulant Group

• Backend development using Java Spring boot together with PostgreSQL database.
• Application deployment-cloud and on-site
• Added features to existing software applications to fit new customer requirements.
• Tested, maintained and monitored deployed applications.
• Created and maintained automated CI/CD Pipelines using Gitlab.
• Integration of applications with other applications(new and existing)
• Developing of Message Consumers/Publishers using RabbitMQ/Java
• Monitoring application Performance/Logs using Newrelic.

Equity Group Holdings Limited

• Lead the Development Team in developing applications using Java(Spring) integrated with Microsoft SQL server database and microservice architecture which improved system performance by 25%.
• Developed web portal backend using Python(Django) with PostgreSQL database.
• Development of Customer Portal Frontend using React Js.
• Added features to existing software applications to fit new customer requirements.
• Tested, maintained and monitored deployed applications.
• Created and maintained automated CI/CD Pipelines using Azure DevOps.
• Integration of applications with other applications(new and existing)
• Development and exposing of REST and SOAP APIS on Azure API manager.
• Monitoring application Performance using Microsoft App Insights

Geoproject Kenya(National Land Information Management System)

• Team Lead for Desktop Application Development Team
• Selected appropriate libraries and open source technologies for project
• integration.
• Developed, tested and deployed Desktop Applications using PyQt5 framework and other Python libraries.
• Developed backend applications using Python Django.
• Developed e-commerce system backend using Java Spring.
• Designed, coded, tested and deployed new features and functionality using
• CI/CD best practices.
• Identified complex system and software problems, evaluated troubleshooting options and developed solutions.
• Documentation of APIs using Swagger
• Closed security loopholes by debugging and patching software.
• Biggest achievement: Enabled digitization of land records for 10 million users in Kenya

Shara Solutions Limited

• Developed web applications using Python Django and PHP Laravel for
• backend and Angular Js for Front End
• Developed desktop applications using Java
• Developed applications using Python for Data Science and Machine
• Learning
• Website Design using HTML5, CSS3 and Javascript
• Hybrid Mobile Apps Development using Ionic Framework
• Took requirements from design through to implementation both independently and with larger team.

BSc Software Engineering from Multimedia University of Kenya