Dickens Alphonce Juma
Software Engineer | Platform & Backend Engineering | High-growth SaaS & Fintech
Available for remote work | Flexible to US/EU/UK time zones | GMT+3
Currently Working On
🚀 Building AI-powered features for Spark platform | 📚 Deepening expertise in distributed systems & event-driven architecture | 🌍 Exploring opportunities with US/EU fintech companies
About Me
Hello There!
I'm Dickens Juma, a Backend/Platform Engineer with 6+ years of experience building event-driven, multi-tenant SaaS & fintech systems. I specialize in Node.js, TypeScript, Kafka, and AWS, with a proven track record of leading architecture modernization, reliability improvements, and cost optimization initiatives. I've built resilient integration workflows, data pipelines, and cross-system automations for government APIs, payments, and messaging systems. Currently available for remote opportunities with US, EU, and UK companies, with flexibility to work across time zones.
Location : Nairobi, Kenya (GMT+3)
Availability : Remote | US/EU/UK Time Zones
Email : dickensjuma13@gmail.com
Phone : +254 704 868 023 (WhatsApp/Signal)
Backend & APIs
Node.js & TypeScript
Express, GraphQL, REST
Python
Architecture & Patterns
Microservices & Event-Driven
Kafka, Pub/Sub, Saga Patterns
Multi-Tenancy & Idempotent Workflows
Cloud & DevOps
AWS (Lambda, ECS, EC2, S3)
Docker & Kubernetes
CI/CD (GitHub Actions)
Redis Caching
Data & Databases
PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL
Query Tuning, Indexing, Partitioning
Security & Integrations
OAuth2, SAML, JWT
Payments (M-Pesa, Multi-currency)
Twilio/SMS, Webhooks, API Integrations
AI & Observability
OpenAI API, LangChain, Vector Search
Structured Logging, Tracing, Metrics
Education
September 2022 - Present
The Cooperative University Of Kenya
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
- Approached problems in an analytical and rigorous way, formulated theories, and applied them to solve computational problems.
- Applied understanding of computer software principles and SDLC in designing and developing programs.
- Advanced numeracy and analyzing large quantities of data using statistical software i.e MATLAB and SPSS.
- Accurately develop, secure, maintain the performance, integrity, and security of a computerized database.
- Analyze security breaches that may or have occurred, and restore or reinforce systems against such breaches, to ensure that confidential data is protected.
November 2019 – Present
Microverse Inc
Full stack Software Developent
- Spent 1300+ hours mastering algorithms, data structures, and full-stack development while simultaneously developing projects with Ruby, Rails, JavaScript, React, and Redux.
- Developed skills in remote pair-programming using GitHub, industry-standard git-flow, and daily standups to communicate and collaborate with international remote developers.
March 2018 - August 2019
Lakehub Academy
Full stack web development
2019-2023
FreeCodeCamp
- Back End Development and APIs
- JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structure
- Responsive Web Design
Experience
Nov 2025 – Present
Residia AI - US PropTech/AI Startup
Software Engineer
- Fine-tuned property-specific LLMs and RAG pipelines, raising workflow accuracy 40% and reducing hallucinations 30% across leasing and tenant support tasks.
- Built and deployed AI microservices (Node.js/Python/LangChain) powering US property ops, cutting inference latency 30% and speeding issue resolution 50% via real-time vector search.
Oct 2025 – Nov 2025
HelloDuty - AI & Automation SaaS (Kenya)
Software Engineer
- Built automation and AI-driven customer care & marketing solutions for SMEs, integrating backend services and scalable messaging APIs.
- Designed and maintained conversational AI flows and system integrations to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.
Nov 2024 – Oct 2025
Nathan Digital - ERP SaaS (UAE/Kenya)
Software Engineer
- Led design of modular payroll & ERP services; automated 80% salary computation; infra cost –25%.
- Introduced event-driven patterns (Kafka) for orchestration and decoupling; improved change velocity.
- Mentored junior engineers; uplifted code review quality and delivery predictability (sprint acceptance >90%).
Feb 2024 – June 2024
Old Mutual South Africa (Remote)
Software Engineer
- Built GraphQL + REST hybrid API layer (Node.js, PostgreSQL), reducing avg latency by 20%.
- Embedded secure-by-default practices (token scope, PII masking) aligned to PCI/GDPR guidelines.
- Developed integration adapters for OAuth2/SAML identity providers, enabling seamless authentication workflows across 4 regional systems.
Jan 2023 – Feb 2024
WayaMoney – Fintech (Remote – Ghana)
Lead Backend Developer
- Architected high-availability payment + wallet services (Kafka + GraphQL) processing 10K+ tx/mo.
- Reduced transaction processing time 30% via async workflows + idempotent handlers.
- Deployed AWS Lambda pipelines for notification + settlement events; improved reliability under spikes.
- Rolled out multi-currency + SMS verification (Twilio), increasing onboarding completion.
Nov 2021 – June 2023
Lami Insurance - Insurtech (Kenya)
Backend Developer
- Built onboarding & policy APIs; manual processing time cut from 3 days → 8 hours (‑70% ops workload).
- Implemented Kafka-based claims pipeline; throughput +35% and error retries automated.
- Integrated M-Pesa payment flows; improved payment success rate +25%.
Oct 2020 – Oct 2021
Bluewave Insurance - Microinsurance (Kenya)
Lead Software Developer
- Built a scalable microinsurance USSD platform (Node.js, Angular, PostgreSQL) serving 50K+ users across Africa.
- Partnered with One Acre Fund to launch a farmer insurance system in Malawi, improving access and real-time reporting.
October 2023 – Present
Spark (SaaS for Beauty Industry)
Founder & Lead Engineer
- Enabled 100+ SMEs in Africa to digitize operations via AI-powered integrations (WhatsApp, payments, scheduling).
- Built multi-tenant platform (React, Node.js, MongoDB, AWS) with CRM, scheduling, staff & inventory modules.
- Containerized deployments (Docker), enabling rapid isolated environment spins for beta clients.
- Drove closed beta adoption; established feedback loop → accelerated iteration cycles.
My Projects
Spark - Founder & Lead Engineer
All-in-one SaaS platform for the Beauty Industry that empowers businesses by streamlining operations, boosting productivity, and elevating client experiences.
Key Features: Multi-tenant platform with CRM, scheduling, staff & inventory modules. AI-powered integrations (WhatsApp, payments, scheduling). Containerized deployments (Docker) for rapid environment spins.
Impact: Enabled 100+ SMEs in Africa to digitize operations. Built with React, Node.js, MongoDB, AWS. Drove closed beta adoption with established feedback loops for accelerated iteration cycles.
Technologies: React, Node.js, TypeScript, MongoDB, AWS, Docker, AI/ML Integrations
Render-Email API
An API that lets you POST a payload of HTML, device type, and target app and it returns a screenshot of that HTML rendered as an email on that device in that app.
Key Features: Email rendering across multiple devices and email clients. Screenshot generation for email previews. Support for various device types and email applications.
Impact: Simplifies email testing and preview workflows. Enables developers to verify email appearance across different platforms without manual testing.
Technologies: Node.js, Express, Puppeteer/Playwright, REST API
ProFact Challenge
A unique web game that presents fun facts about your favorite footballers. Your challenge: Guess the player's name with just 4 chances.
Key Features: Interactive guessing game with football player facts. Limited attempts (4 chances) for increased challenge. Real-time feedback and scoring system.
Impact: Engaging entertainment platform for football fans. Demonstrates frontend development skills with interactive game mechanics.
Technologies: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Web APIs
EmailCheckMate
Professional email validation service that performs comprehensive email verification checks.
Key Features: SMTP validation, disposable email detection, free email provider identification, MX record verification, DNS checks. Real-time email validation API.
Impact: Helps businesses reduce bounce rates and improve email deliverability. Prevents fake or invalid email addresses from entering systems.
Technologies: Node.js, Express, DNS libraries, SMTP validation, REST API
Digital Asset Portfolio CLI
Command-line interface application for managing and tracking digital asset portfolios.
Key Features: Portfolio tracking, asset management, real-time price updates, transaction history, command-line interface for quick access.
Impact: Enables efficient portfolio management from the terminal. Demonstrates CLI development and API integration skills.
Technologies: Node.js, CLI frameworks, REST APIs, JSON data handling
Caret
USSD platform that allows employees the financial flexibility to access their already earned salary at any time during the month.
Key Features: USSD-based salary advance system, real-time salary calculation, secure payment processing, employee self-service portal.
Impact: Provides financial flexibility for employees. Reduces financial stress by enabling early access to earned wages. Improves employee satisfaction and retention.
Technologies: Node.js, USSD gateway integration, Payment APIs, Database management
URL-Shortener
Web application for shortening long URLs into manageable, shareable links.
Key Features: URL shortening and redirection, custom alias support, click analytics, QR code generation, link expiration management.
Impact: Simplifies link sharing and tracking. Demonstrates full-stack development with database integration.
Technologies: Node.js, Express, MongoDB, EJS, REST API
Teletiba
Telemedicine platform that allows patients to consult with Kenyan licensed medical practitioners via video call upon booking.
Key Features: Video consultation platform, appointment booking system, Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Interactive Voice Response (IVR), secure patient data management.
Impact: Improves healthcare access in remote areas. Enables convenient medical consultations without physical visits. Supports healthcare digitization in Kenya.
Technologies: WebRTC, Microservices architecture, EMRs, EHRs, IVR, AWS Cloud, Node.js
Transmall
E-commerce platform striving to be Kenya's largest online shopping mall. Launched in 2021 with the mission of becoming the No.1 e-commerce platform in Kenya, with sites strategically distributed across the country.
Key Features: Multi-vendor marketplace, product catalog management, shopping cart and checkout, payment integration, order tracking, delivery management.
Impact: Supports digital commerce growth in Kenya. Enables businesses to reach customers nationwide. Contributes to e-commerce ecosystem development.
Technologies: Node.js, React, MongoDB/PostgreSQL, Payment gateways, E-commerce frameworks
Fika Safe Project
Online platform designed to assist Saccos (Savings and Credit Cooperatives) to track their motorcycle riders for safety and management purposes.
Key Features: Real-time rider tracking, SMS and USSD notifications, route monitoring, safety alerts, rider management dashboard.
Impact: Improves safety for motorcycle riders. Enables Saccos to monitor and manage their fleet effectively. Reduces operational risks.
Technologies: MongoDB, React.js, Express, Node.js, Heroku, Africastalking SMS API, USSD API
RentalKonnect
Online platform for finding and managing rental properties, connecting tenants with property owners.
Key Features: Property listing and search, tenant-landlord matching, booking system, property management tools, user authentication.
Impact: Simplifies the rental property search process. Connects property owners with potential tenants efficiently.
Technologies: LoopBack.js, Node.js, React.js, Heroku, REST API
Wadada
Platform connecting women to professionals that help them tackle major issues that hinder the growth and development of women, be it at home or in the workspace.
Key Features: Professional matching system, resource library, community forum, booking and consultation scheduling, user profiles and reviews.
Impact: Empowers women by connecting them with relevant professionals. Supports women's growth and development in various aspects of life.
Technologies: Node.js, React.js, Heroku, REST API
The Auger Network
Data marketplace platform to find and explore consumable, relevant data for businesses and developers.
Key Features: Data marketplace with search and discovery, data catalog browsing, API access to datasets, data quality ratings, subscription and licensing management.
Impact: Facilitates data sharing and monetization. Enables businesses to discover and access relevant datasets. Supports data-driven decision making.
Technologies: TypeScript, Node.js, React.js, RPC API, Data processing frameworks
Impact Snapshot
Quantifiable results from my engineering work across multiple projects and companies:
25%
Infrastructure Cost Reduction
Service modularization & cache optimization
+35%
Throughput Increase
Event-driven claims & payment routing
80%
Automation Achieved
Payroll + appointment handling
20%
Latency Reduction
API optimization + query tuning
70%
Manual SLA Reduction
Onboarding digitization
100+
SMEs Enabled
Digitized operations via Spark platform
Certifications & Education
Professional Certifications
Ongoing
AWS Developer Associate
Amazon Web Services - Cloud development and deployment expertise
Ongoing
Azure Developer Associate
Microsoft Azure - Cloud application development and services
2019-2023
freeCodeCamp Certifications
- Back End Development and APIs
- JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structure
- Responsive Web Design
Blog & Articles
I write about backend engineering, system design, and best practices. Check out my articles on Medium:
Designing Idempotent Payment Flows
Learn how to build resilient payment systems that handle duplicate requests gracefully. Covers idempotency keys, state machines, and error handling patterns.
Scaling Kafka Consumers Safely
Best practices for building scalable event-driven systems with Apache Kafka. Includes consumer group management, partitioning strategies, and monitoring.
Workflow Automation with Resilient Retries
Building reliable automation workflows that handle failures gracefully. Covers exponential backoff, circuit breakers, and dead letter queues.
Event Choreography Deep Dive
Understanding event-driven architecture patterns. Explores saga patterns, outbox pattern, and building decoupled microservices.
Contact Me
dickensjuma13@gmail.com
Nairobi, Kenya (GMT+3)
+254 704 868 023
(WhatsApp/Signal available)
Available for Remote Work
Flexible to US/EU/UK time zones