Oliver Wainaina
Software Engineer | Disruptor
Nairobi
Summary
Performance-driven Full Stack Developer with a specialized background in Microprocessor Technology and Instrumentation. Expert in bridging the gap between hardware and software, with 4+ years of experience building IoT-integrated platforms, real-time telemetry systems, and scalable web applications. Proven track record in developing Computer-Aided Design simulation software and high-impact social-tech solutions recognized at COP28/29/30. Passionate about sustainable mobility and the EV ecosystem in Africa.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Full Stack Developer
Iron Gate Technologies
08.2023 - 12.2025
- Developed complex CAD software for building and simulating electrical devices, directly applying industrial electronics principles.
- Engineered responsive frontend interfaces using React.js and high-performance backend logic to handle real-time electronic component footprint creation.
- Optimized data structures for electronic component simulation, improving system responsiveness by 30%.
Lead Full-Stack Developer
Sauti Salama
12.2023 - 12.2025
- Architected a secure, scalable reporting platform for GBV survivors, integrating real-time support connectivity.
- Managed the full software development lifecycle (SDLC), from UI/UX design in Figma to deployment on cloud infrastructure.
- Presented the platform at COP28 and COP29, securing two funding rounds and winning the UNICEF GITEX Africa Challenge.
- "Safe Voice"
Full stack software developer
Elimika LMS
04.2025 - 08.2025
- Developed a web-app that helps manage tutors, students and institutions worldwide.
- Supported the onboarding of more than 80 institutions, 300 tutors and over 1000 students under the program.
- Led a team of developers and designers into building the solution available across multiple devices and used in multiple institutions to support learner management.
Software Developer
Embed IoT
05.2022 - 01.2025
- Led the development of IoT solutions for agriculture, focusing on real-time sensor data telemetry and remote monitoring.
- Built dashboards to visualize soil moisture, pH, and nutrient levels, enabling data-driven decisions for farmers.
- Handled device-to-cloud communication protocols, ensuring data integrity across low-bandwidth environments.
Project Lead
Microsoft Garage
03.2023 - 08.2023
- Led a multidisciplinary team to build IoT-enabled aquaponics systems.
- Collaborated with Microsoft engineers to implement best practices in cloud integration and system architecture.
- (Kenya)
Education
B.Sc. - Microprocessor Technology and Instrumentation
01.2021
Core focus: Embedded Systems Design, Signal Processing, and Mathematical Modeling.
Skills
- Rust
- TypeScript
- JavaScript
- Python
- C
- Java
- Reactjs
- Nextjs
- Tailwind CSS
- UI/UX
- Nodejs
- Express
- RESTful APIs
- OData/Web APIs
- Bare-metal Embedded Systems
- Micro-Python
- ESP32/Arduino
- Raspberry Pi
- Telemetry Data Streaming
- OTA Update Protocols
- Google Cloud Platform
- AWS
- Docker
- CI/CD Pipelines
- SQL
- PostgreSQL
- NoSQL
- MongoDB
Languages
English
Swahili
Chinese
Sign Language
Education Certifications
- B.Sc. Microprocessor Technology and Instrumentation, University of Nairobi, 2018-01-01, 2021-12-31, Embedded Systems Design, Signal Processing, Mathematical Modeling
- AWS Certified Cloud Architect, Azubi Africa, 2022
- IEEE Chiromo Campus Lead, University of Nairobi, Organized ROAM Industrial Visit
Awards Recognition
- World Summit Awards - Digital impact innovator Kenya, 2025, Vienna, Austria
- US Embassy Stars of Innovation AI Hackathon Trainer, 2026
- First Position: UNICEF GITEX Africa Gender Responsive Innovation Challenge, 2024
- First Runner Up Position: Business Idea Marathon (Daystar), 2024
- First Position: Zetech Innovation Week - Best Innovation Stand, 2023
- First Position: IESC 5.0 (Engineering & Tech Competition)
- First Position: Nairobi International Trade Fair - Best Innovation Stand, 2022
Community Impact
- Open Hardware Community, Active advocate for Arduino and Raspberry Pi development in Kenya
- STEM Educator, Trained 1,000+ students in robotics and programming across Nairobi
Job Title
Software Engineer (Full Stack & IoT Systems)
Social Links
LinkedIn, GitHub, Portfolio
Personal Information
Title: Software Engineer (Full Stack & IoT Systems)
Timeline
Full stack software developer - Elimika LMS
04.2025 - 08.2025
Lead Full-Stack Developer - Sauti Salama
12.2023 - 12.2025
Full Stack Developer - Iron Gate Technologies
08.2023 - 12.2025
Project Lead - Microsoft Garage
03.2023 - 08.2023
Software Developer - Embed IoT
05.2022 - 01.2025
University of Nairobi - B.Sc., Microprocessor Technology and Instrumentation