JOHN KIRAGU
Core Banking Systems | Database Administrator | Core Banking Support And Implementation Engineer
Nairobi,30
Summary
Highly skilled Database Engineer with extensive experience in optimizing database performance, safeguarding data, and leading successful database projects. Proven success in implementing strategies that reduced data loss by 80%, enhanced system efficiency by 30%, and decreased security breaches by 50%. With a track record of improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and maintaining a 99% uptime, I am ready to leverage my expertise to support data integrity and strategic decision-making in my next role.
Knowledgeable Support Engineer with proven background in streamlining software implementation processes and enhancing client satisfaction. Successfully led multiple projects that optimized system integrations and reduced deployment times. Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting technical issues and providing effective solutions while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Core Banking Support & Implementation Specialist
Craft Silicon Ltd
Nairobi, Nairobi Province
01.2025 - Current
- Support, maintain, and troubleshoot live core banking systems for banks and financial institutions across East Africa.
- Perform SQL Server database support, including query analysis, indexing, and performance optimization.
- Monitor and support EOD, SOD, and EOM batch processes to ensure timely completion within SLA.
- Investigate and resolve GL mismatches, reconciliation issues, and accounting discrepancies.
- Assist in system implementations, upgrades, and post go-live stabilization.
- Provide production support, root-cause analysis, and permanent fixes for recurring incidents.
Software Engineer
Octagon Data Systems Ltd
06.2024 - 01.2025
- Designed, developed, and maintained enterprise business applications supporting data-intensive operations, with a focus on performance, reliability, and scalability.
- Worked extensively with SQL Server databases, writing optimized stored procedures, functions, triggers, and views, improving query execution times by up to 40% on high-volume transactional tables.
- Implemented data validation and integrity controls at both application and database levels, reducing data inconsistencies and operational errors.
- Supported end-to-end software lifecycle activities, including development, testing, deployment, and post-deployment support.
- Contributed to customized ERP-style solutions used by multiple clients, ensuring adaptability to different business processes.
- Developed scalable and maintainable code, ensuring long-term stability of the software.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Business and Information Technology
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
Nyeri, KE12.2024
Skills
- Data Backup and Recovery
- Database Performance Optimization
- Database Security Protocols
- Data Management Process Streamlining
- IT Collaboration and Integration
- Database Auditing
- Data Archiving
- 24/7 Database Support
- Software Engineering
Accomplishments
- Optimized EOD-related stored procedures, indexes, and accrual posting logic, reducing EOD processing time from approximately 6 hours to 3 hours at client branches.
- Improved SQL query performance by 30–50% through index optimization and execution plan tuning in high-volume transaction tables.
- Automated database validation and customer onboarding scripts, reducing manual processing errors by over 40%.
- Resolved recurring GL and reconciliation issues, reducing end-of-day financial discrepancies to near zero in supported environments.
- Successfully supported live EOD operations across multiple branches with 99%+ success rate under strict SLA timelines.
- Played a key role in post-implementation stabilization for multiple banks, reducing critical production incidents by over 35% within the first three months of go-live.
- Configured SQL Server memory to prevent OS starvation, improving system stability and reducing EOD delays.
Certification
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
- Calm and effective under high-pressure production environments
- Strong communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and system reliability
CAREER OBJECTIVE
To leverage my experience in core banking systems and database administration to contribute to the stability, performance, and growth of a forward-looking financial institution, while continuing to grow as a banking technology professional.
OPERATIONAL & REGULATORY EXPERIENCE
- Hands-on experience supporting regulated banking environments with high availability and data integrity requirements.
- Familiar with audit trails, controlled access, and production change management.
- Experience working under strict SLAs and compliance-driven operational frameworks
References
References available upon Request
Timeline
Core Banking Support & Implementation Specialist
Craft Silicon Ltd
01.2025 - Current
Software Engineer
Octagon Data Systems Ltd
06.2024 - 01.2025
Bachelors of Science - Business and Information Technology
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology