Godfrey Karunda
Senior Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft
Nairobi,Nairobi
Summary
Senior Software Engineering Manager leading engineering teams across product delivery, release governance, and technical roadmap execution. Drives coding standards, mentorship, and KPI progress while coordinating design, solutions, and knowledge sharing across teams. Brings a strong foundation in C#, Java, and systems integration work spanning SOAP, ISO 8583, and XML-RPC.
Overview
3
3
Certifications
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Software Engineering Manager
Microsoft
03.2023 - Current
- Maintain uptime 99% across critical services through disciplined release oversight and architecture governance.
- Guide engineering strategy for C#, .NET framework, SQL, and Java services across cloud architecture and microservices architecture.
- Lead cross-functional reviews on event-driven architecture, containerization, and infrastructure as code for platform consistency.
- Coach engineers through technical mentorship, hiring and interview processes, and practical design feedback.
Software Engineering Manager
Microsoft
06.2021 - 03.2023
- Led software engineering teams through planning, delivery, and execution across multiple product priorities.
- Defined technical direction for services, aligning engineering work with product goals and delivery timelines.
- Coordinated cross-functional work with product and operations partners to remove delivery blockers.
- Reviewed designs and implementation plans to keep architecture choices consistent across services.
Tribe Chief - Agency Banking Tribe
Software Group
10.2019 - 06.2021
- Defined the technical roadmap for the agency banking tribe, aligning delivery priorities with product direction.
- Directed capacity planning and staffing to balance team workload with active development demands.
- Supported design and solution development, contributing technical input on concepts and services.
- Led knowledge-sharing sessions, training, and mentorship to strengthen technical capability across teams.
- Tracked KPIs and led new project development through lifecycle management.
Team Lead - Development and Implementations - KE
08.2018 - 10.2019
- Lead project technical direction and drive closure for development and implementation engagements.
- Implement and integrate solutions across SOAP, ISO 8583, and XML-RPC interfaces using Java and C#.
- Support ATM, agency banking, and integration projects through hands-on production troubleshooting and issue resolution.
- Mentor junior programmers and identify technology gaps that inform training plans and team development.
- Apply .NET framework and SQL knowledge to strengthen implementation quality and project support.
Integration specialist
10.2015 - 08.2018
- Analyze project requirements and integration flows to shape implementation plans for agency banking platform work.
- Deliver project design and implementation for system integrations using SOAP, ISO, and XML-RPC.
- Support integration troubleshooting with C#, Java, SQL, and databases across connected services.
Implementation Engineer
Cellulant Ltd
05.2014 - 10.2015
- Support mobile banking implementations for USSD and app channels, aligning releases to client requirements.
- Develop remote account opening features for mobile banking applications using C#, Java, and SQL.
- Build and implement mobile banking applications, maintaining reliable delivery across implementation workstreams.
Software Developer (.Net Framework)
Fabit Systems Ltd
09.2011 - 04.2014
- Write and maintain C# code for business applications, aligning functionality with application requirements.
- Create and update T-SQL database structures in Management Studio to support application data handling.
- Support business application development from design through implementation in Visual Studio 2010.
Trainee
JJPeople
07.2011 - 08.2011
- Built foundational Java knowledge through structured training, guided practice, and repeated code review.
- Applied Java basics to small programming tasks while strengthening debugging and problem-solving habits.
- Learned to structure code, organize logic, and work with introductory database concepts during the training period.
Attachee
Centurion systemss Ltd
05.2011 - 06.2011
- Assisted the training department with hands-on Electrical and Electronics Engineering activities during the attachee assignment.
- Applied classroom knowledge to practical engineering tasks under supervision, reinforcing core technical fundamentals.
- Built familiarity with department processes through guided participation in daily engineering training activities.
Attachee
Kenya Power
05.2010 - 08.2010
- Diagnose hardware and software problems, then apply practical fixes to keep systems available for daily use.
- Document recurring incidents and support steps to improve handoffs and reduce repeat troubleshooting.
- Provide clear guidance to users on common IT issues, escalating unresolved cases when needed.
Education
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Moi University
01-2011
Skills
C#
Databases
Java
NET framework
SQL
SOAP
Engineering strategy
Architecture governance
Cross-functional leadership
Hiring & interview processes
Technical mentorship
Cloud architecture
Microservices architecture
Event-driven architecture
Containerization (Docker / Kubernetes)
Infrastructure as code
Certification
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Timeline
Senior Software Engineering Manager
Microsoft
03.2023 - Current
Software Engineering Manager
Microsoft
06.2021 - 03.2023
Tribe Chief - Agency Banking Tribe
Software Group
10.2019 - 06.2021
Team Lead - Development and Implementations - KE
08.2018 - 10.2019
Integration specialist
10.2015 - 08.2018
Implementation Engineer
Cellulant Ltd
05.2014 - 10.2015
Software Developer (.Net Framework)
Fabit Systems Ltd
09.2011 - 04.2014
Trainee
JJPeople
07.2011 - 08.2011
Attachee
Centurion systemss Ltd
05.2011 - 06.2011
Attachee
Kenya Power
05.2010 - 08.2010
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Moi University