Available to hire
I’m Ian Karanja Mbugua, a backend developer based in Nairobi, Kenya, with 5+ years of experience building resilient, scalable server-side systems. My work centers on PHP and Laravel, where I design reliable architectures for subscription-based microservices, data ingestion pipelines, and API integrations that deliver consistent, high-quality results.
I also enjoy owning end-to-end improvements—whether re-engineering complex dashboards, upgrading legacy systems, or building robust alerting and monitoring mechanisms. From integrating third-party APIs (like Stripe and Shopify) to optimizing database performance and background processing with Redis-backed queues, I focus on practical, production-ready engineering that drives measurable business value.
Language
English
Fluent
Swahili
Fluent
Work Experience
Backend Developer at Inisev (follow.it)
August 1, 2023 - PresentArchitect and maintain subscription-based microservices for the follow.it platform, including backend logic to consume, parse, and reliably deliver large-scale API feeds. Develop and maintain complex data modules (GitHub, eBay, Bluesky, and LinkedIn) using REST API integrations and custom diffing/filtering engines to track precise status changes. Build the Broken Link Alert system using sitemap extraction, aggregated reporting, and advanced error handling for robust subscriber monitoring. Optimize database operations and system performance with generated virtual columns, clean persistence strategies, and encapsulated data preprocessing pipelines. Conduct API research to prototype and integrate new high-value data sources that expand platform versatility.
PHP/Laravel Developer (Part-time) at Inisev
August 1, 2023 - PresentDesigned and developed a trademark feed microservice using Laravel/PHP integrated with the USPTO API. Maintained subscription-like microservices and integrated them as modules into the follow.it backend. Migrated previous feed integrations to a modular architecture and fixed bugs to ensure functionality. Researched and documented new feed integrations. Led the development of a GitHub Feed leveraging the GitHub REST API to provide real-time updates on issues, pull requests, security advisories, commits, releases, repository status changes, and recent public gists. Ensured a robust and scalable feed system through in-depth research and documentation of the GitHub API.
PHP/Laravel Developer (Part-time) at Inisev
August 1, 2023 - PresentDesigned and developed a trademark feed microservice using Laravel/PHP integrating the USPTO API and subscription-like microservices integrated into follow.it. Collaborated in migrating previous feed integrations to a modular code architecture, fixed bugs, and maintained special feeds. Spearheaded the development of a GitHub Feed providing real-time updates using the GitHub REST API, ensuring robust feed functionality through in-depth research and documentation.
Backend Developer at Inisev
August 1, 2023 - PresentAssociate at Digital Divide Data
April 30, 2022 - September 2, 2025Transformed PDF documents into structured HTML format to improve readability and brand consistency. Conducted thorough QA to ensure uniform outputs meeting organizational standards. Optimized internal processes to boost efficiency and productivity. Collaborated with graphic designers and content creators to ensure seamless integration of visual assets and text. Due to exceptional commitment and adaptability, was promoted to a lead role.
Associate at Digital Divide Data
April 30, 2022 - September 2, 2025Transformed PDF documents into structured HTML formats enhancing readability and brand consistency. Conducted QA checks and optimized internal processes to improve efficiency. Collaborated with graphic designers and content creators to align visual assets with textual information. Promoted to lead role for exceptional dedication and adaptability.
Full Stack Web Developer at Uncapped Agency
June 1, 2021 - PresentEngineered, developed, and maintained various clients' full-stack web applications and API-based projects using PHP (Laravel Framework), Tailwind CSS, Laravel Livewire, Alpine JS, MariaDB, HTML5, and CSS. Modernized UIs by migrating from Bootstrap to Tailwind CSS and implemented performance improvements. Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams via Scrum meetings and Jira. Engineered job-queue systems to handle large data processing, improving server memory efficiency through pagination and queueing techniques. Enhanced filtering, error handling, and CRUD operations. Led the development of a Shopify Application connecting merchants to an email marketing solution, including scalable API endpoints and a dashboard monitoring system with real-time data and user customization. Implemented async API support with notifications on success or failure. Developed a worker class for background import of Shopify customers and subscriber notifications.
Full Stack Web Developer at Uncapped Agency
June 1, 2021 - PresentEngineered, developed, and maintained full-stack web applications and API-based projects using PHP (Laravel), Tailwind CSS, Livewire, and MariaDB. Modernized UIs from Bootstrap to Tailwind CSS and improved performance. Collaborated via Scrum and Jira, engineered a job-queue system for large data processing, enhanced server memory efficiency, and implemented async API endpoints with notifications. Led development of a Shopify application connecting merchants with an email marketing solution, developed scalable API endpoints, and designed a real-time dashboard monitoring system.
Web Developer at Uncapped Agency
June 1, 2021 - PresentIT/PHP Intern at Avechi
December 31, 2019 - September 2, 2025Collaborated with fellow developers to create proof-of-concept demos highlighting new features for the company website. Led marketing initiatives that increased online visibility, customer engagement, and loyalty programs. Designed social media campaigns that promoted products producing sales growth. Acted as liaison between technical and non-technical staff, providing system operation and management support and knowledge sharing.
IT/PHP Intern at Avechi
December 31, 2019 - September 2, 2025Collaborated with developers to create proof-of-concept demos of new features for Avechi.com, led marketing initiatives increasing online visibility and customer engagement, crafted social media campaigns resulting in sales growth, and acted as liaison between technical and non-technical staff.
Associate Data Specialist & Team Lead at Digital Divide Data
April 1, 2019 - April 1, 2022Transformed complex, unstructured PDF documents into semantic, structured HTML while ensuring cross-platform brand consistency and readability. Optimized internal data transformation processes and performed rigorous QA checks to reduce error rates and improve team productivity. Collaborated with design and content teams to integrate digital assets smoothly. Promoted to team lead based on technical adaptability, consistent output quality, and continuous process improvement.
IT & PHP Developer Intern at Avechi
November 1, 2018 - December 1, 2019Developed technical proof-of-concept features for Avechi.com with senior developers, including e-commerce functionality using PHP. Assisted with infrastructure management by performing system updates and conducting routine security audits. Served as a technical liaison by translating system operations into actionable support for non-technical staff and supporting digital marketing campaigns to drive engagement.
IT Intern at Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC)
August 31, 2017 - September 2, 2025Managed setup, troubleshooting, and optimization of the E-moodle learning platform under mentorship. Responded promptly to service requests addressing various technological challenges. Facilitated deployment of virtual systems for resource allocation and collaboration. Streamlined rollout processes for new devices including OS installations, antivirus, and peripheral configurations.
IT Intern at Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC)
August 31, 2017 - September 2, 2025Managed setup, troubleshooting, and optimization of the E-moodle learning platform. Responded to user service requests and facilitated deployment of virtual systems. Streamlined rollout of new devices including OS installation and peripheral configuration under mentorship.
IT Infrastructure Intern at Defense Forces Technical College (DEFTEC)
June 1, 2017 - August 1, 2017Managed deployment, configuration, and optimization of an e-Moodle learning management system to support educational workshops with high availability. Administered IT infrastructure by facilitating virtual system deployments, optimizing resource allocation, and streamlining device rollouts with required OS and security configurations. Provided hands-on technical support and troubleshooting for staff and end-users across diverse hardware and software issues.
Education
Bsc. Mathematics and Computer Science at Kirinyaga University
September 1, 2014 - October 12, 2018Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science at Kirinyaga University
January 11, 2030 - September 2, 2025Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science at Kirinyaga University
January 11, 2030 - September 2, 2025Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science at Kirinyaga University
January 11, 2030 - September 2, 2026Qualifications
Bsc. Mathematics and Computer Science
September 1, 2014 - October 19, 2018Industry Experience
Software & Internet, Other, Education, Professional Services, Retail, Computers & Electronics, Media & Entertainment
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