John Were

Hello, I'm John Were

Software Engineer | Full-Stack Developer | Secure by Design

🚀 React • Firebase • MySQL • Apache/Debian • AWS

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About Me

John Were

Engineer. Architect. Secure.

I'm a Software Engineer who builds production-grade full-stack applications. I've deployed live systems on Apache/Debian servers with MySQL primary databases and Firestore real-time backups, and architected complex React + Firebase solutions with granular role-based access control.

My engineering philosophy is secure by design — I hold cybersecurity certifications (Google, Cisco, AWS) and implement RBAC, input validation, secure authentication, and compliance frameworks (Kenya DPA, GDPR) in every project. I don't just write code; I build systems that are scalable, maintainable, and enterprise-ready.

Full-Stack Architecture React • Firebase • Node.js MySQL • Apache • Debian Secure SDLC • RBAC AWS Cloud Practitioner Google Cybersecurity Certified

Technical Expertise

Work Experience

Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), Nairobi, Kenya

Software Engineer & ICT Associate

March 2025 – Present

🔧 Software Engineering & System Development
  • Designed, developed, and deployed CEMS (Customer Experience Management System) — a full-stack production application handling 50,000+ annual service requests, improving customer satisfaction from 65% to 92%.
  • Architected hybrid database strategy using MySQL as primary persistent storage and Firestore as real-time backup, ensuring 99.9% data durability.
  • Built E-Recruitment System with Firebase Authentication, Firestore, and SendGrid API — reduced manual processing time by 70%.
  • Configured and maintained Apache/Debian production server with SSL/TLS certificates and automated backup cron jobs.
  • Implemented RESTful APIs for integration between legacy systems and modern web applications.
🔐 Cybersecurity & Compliance
  • Enforced role-based access control (RBAC) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all internal systems.
  • Conducted vulnerability assessments and coordinated patch management cycles, reducing security incidents by 40%.
  • Ensured compliance with Kenya Data Protection Act (DPA) and GDPR.
🏆 Key Achievements
  • CEMS recognized by ORPP leadership as a model for digital transformation.
  • 92% customer satisfaction rating post-implementation (up from 65% baseline).

Bungoma County Government, Bungoma, Kenya

IT Systems Trainee

May 2023 – August 2023

  • Contributed to development and deployment of BARMS cashless revenue collection system, reducing revenue leakage by 60%.
  • Configured and maintained departmental networks (routers, switches, firewalls) ensuring secure connectivity for 200+ endpoints.
  • Trained 50+ county staff on secure data handling practices, reducing fraud-related incidents by 30%.

GC ICT & Computer Training Centre, Eldoret, Kenya

ICT Curriculum Lead & Technical Manager (Part-Time)

March 2021 – September 2024

  • Designed and implemented industry-aligned ICT curriculum covering full-stack development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing — trained 300+ students.
  • Managed IT infrastructure for 5 computer labs (150+ workstations), maintaining 98% uptime.
  • Developed internal student management system — reduced administrative overhead by 50%.

Core Competencies

Frontend Engineering

React, modern JavaScript, responsive design, component-driven architecture, state management.

Backend & Data

Node.js, Firebase Suite, MySQL, PostgreSQL, RESTful API design, hybrid DB strategies.

DevOps & Infrastructure

Apache/Debian configuration, SSL/TLS, automated backups, CI/CD, AWS cloud services.

Secure Development

RBAC, OWASP Top 10, input validation, secure authentication, security auditing, compliance.

Network Security

CCNA certified, HCIA-Datacom, firewall configuration, VLAN segmentation.

Technical Stack

Python

MySQL

Java

JavaScript

React

Firebase

Node.js

Git

Education & Qualifications

Academic foundation and professional certifications

📖

Complete professional profile

Download CV
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🎓 Academic Background

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

2021 – 2024

University of Eldoret | Second Class Honours (Upper Division)

Specialized in software engineering, database systems, network security, and IT governance.

🎓 BSc IT (Hons)

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

2024

Amazon Web Services

Certified in cloud fundamentals: compute, storage, networking, IAM, and cost optimization.

🎓 View Certificate

HCIA-Datacom Certification

2025

Huawei ICT Academy

Enterprise networking: routing, switching, WLAN, network security, and troubleshooting.

🎓 View Certificate

Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

2025

Google (Coursera)

Security frameworks, risk assessment, threat detection, incident response, Linux, Python, SQL.

🎓 View Certificate

Featured Projects

ORPP Logo

CEMS – Customer Experience Management System PRODUCTION

Enterprise-grade system deployed at ORPP handling 50,000+ annual service requests. Full-stack architecture: Apache/Debian server, MySQL primary database, Firestore real-time backup. Implements RBAC, audit logging, and automated reporting. Achieved 92% customer satisfaction.

Apache/DebianMySQLFirestorePHP/Node.jsRBAC
🌐 Live Demo 📁 Repository
ONM Logo

ONM Party – One Nation Movement Website RE-ENGINEERED

Complete website re-engineering and issue resolution for the One Nation Movement (ONM) political party. Fixed performance bottlenecks, security vulnerabilities, and responsive design issues. Implemented modern frontend architecture, optimized loading times, and ensured cross-browser compatibility. Features include party vision/mission, membership registration, volunteer signup, news updates, and donation integration.

HTML5/CSS3JavaScriptResponsive DesignPerformance OptimizationSecurity Hardening
🌐 Live Demo 📁 Repository

Umoja SDA – Church & School Financial Management

Complete dual-entity system with React + Firebase. Manages students, church members, tithes/offerings, fees, expenses, payroll, and financial reporting. Implements 5 user roles with granular Firestore security rules.

ReactFirebase AuthFirestoreCloud FunctionsChart.js
🌐 Live Demo 📁 Repository

E-Recruitment System – ORPP

Digital recruitment platform with account creation, data validation, online applications, and status tracking. Reduced manual processing time by 70% and eliminated data entry errors.

FirebaseJavaScriptSendGrid API
🌐 Live Demo 📁 Repository

NEXORA ICT Consulting – Corporate Platform

Enterprise consulting website showcasing government transformation projects. Features service catalog, case studies, client testimonials, and consultation engine. Demonstrates enterprise credibility with ISO 27001 and GDPR compliance badges.

ReactFirebaseEmailJSResponsive Design
🌐 Live Demo 📁 Repository

Engineering Impact

I solve complex problems with clean code, secure architecture, and scalable solutions.

System Architecture

Designing resilient, scalable systems that balance performance, security, and maintainability.

Production Deployment

Full-cycle deployment — from development environment to live server with monitoring and backup strategies.

Security-First Development

Building with OWASP principles, RBAC, encryption, and compliance from day one.

Get In Touch

Available for software engineering opportunities and technical consulting

Send a message

Contact Information

johnwere742@gmail.com
+254 768 552 699 / +254 795 576 429
Nairobi, Kenya

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