Derrick Orare

Senior Software Engineer

mail derrick.orare@gmail.com location_on Nairobi, Kenya code GitHub share LinkedIn

Summary

I design, build, and scale mission-critical backend systems for fintech and enterprise SaaS. With expertise in Ruby on Rails, distributed architectures, API design, and cloud infrastructure, I deliver robust solutions that drive business growth.

Senior Software Engineer with 11+ years of experience building scalable backend systems, APIs and fintech platforms.
Expertise in Fintech Systems, Distributed Architecture, and API Scalability.

Professional Experience

Founder & Lead Engineer

TexStylus open_in_new

Jan 2026 - Present

location_on Nairobi, Kenya wifi remote

Designed and developed the platform from the ground up, covering the application, backend services, data layer, storage, deployment, and supporting infrastructure.
Built real-time collaborative document editing and LaTeX compilation workflows for working with technical documents in the browser.
Developed a document and PDF-to-LaTeX processing pipeline designed to preserve document structure, layout, typography, and source geometry during reconstruction.
Integrated AI capabilities through a dedicated gateway supporting document and LaTeX-focused workflows.
Designed production infrastructure using PostgreSQL, Redis, object storage, containerized services, and isolated compilation environments.
Implemented authentication, authorization, rate limiting, resource controls, sandboxing, and other protections required for a publicly accessible application.
Established deployment, CI/CD, operational documentation, and production support infrastructure for an independently operated software product.
Took the product from initial concept through architecture, implementation, testing, production deployment, and release preparation

TYPESCRIPT

REACT N NEXT.JS GO

POSTGRESQL

REDIS

DOCKER W WEBSOCKETS YJS LATEX/TEX LIVE AI INTEGRATION R REST APIS

CI/CD LINUX CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE

Senior Software Engineer (Founding Developer)

NdovuCloud Technologies open_in_new

Aug 2018 - Present

wifi remote

Build the first prototype for the backend through API development in Ruby on Rails postgres and later MongoDB
Crafted and curated database architectures from the ground up, sculpting models tailored for MongoDB and architecting the inventory service.
Orchestrated seamless integrations with Mpesa and Visa payment gateways
Cultivated a culture of code excellence through code reviews and mentorship
Interviewed and trained new software developers and assisted with onboarding and mentor

RUBY ON RAILS

POSTGRES M MONGO

Senior Software Engineer

Engie Energy Access open_in_new

Nov 2022 - Jul 2023

location_on Kampala Uganda business hybrid

Orchestrated seamless collaboration with stakeholders, resulting in precise delivery timelines and meticulous risk assessment
Spearheaded autonomous delivery of mission-critical software solutions, adhering rigorously to engineering best practices and stringent deadlines
Engaged in high-stakes architectural dialogues to fortify software performance and reliability, proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
Nurtured the next generation of engineering talent through hands-on mentorship, fostering technical acumen and professional growth
Wrote unit tests and integration tests to increase overall test coverage and reduce bug frequency
Created APIs to be consumed by other teams within the organisation

RUBY ON RAILS

POSTGRES

GRAPE

DOCKER

Backend Software Engineer

Kwara open_in_new

Oct 2021 - Aug 2022

location_on Nairobi, Kenya business hybrid

Engineered innovative features in lockstep with the engineering corps, ensuring an uninterrupted stream of value delivery.
Championed the fortification of backend systems, emphasizing security, scalability, and peak performance.
Architected software blueprints with surgical precision, maintaining the sanctity of code quality and organizational integrity.
Nurtured and empowered junior engineers, instilling a culture of excellence and fostering an environment ripe for innovation.

RUBY ON RAILS

POSTGRES

MYSQL

REACT

Software Engineer

Lipalater Limited open_in_new

Nov 2019 - Oct 2021

location_on Nairobi, Kenya business hybrid

Architected and executed backend infrastructures, amplifying administrative efficiencies and turbocharging sales support.
Revamped and fortified authentication systems, databases, and critical controllers, laying a bulletproof foundation for the core platform.
Engineered bespoke notification and email systems, revolutionizing inter-team communication and streamlining operational workflows.
Elevated test coverage eclipsing the 90% minimum

RUBY ON RAILS

POSTGRES

COFFEESCRIPT

REACT

Founding Software Engineer

Duara Systems - An Africa's Talking Laboratory open_in_new

Mar 2018 - Jul 2018

location_on Nairobi, Kenya business hybrid

Forged the backbone of the inventory service, melding Ruby on Rails and MongoDB into a seamless symphony of efficiency.
Pioneered the art of containerization, dockerizing microservices and laying the groundwork for a revolution in continuous integration.
Collaborated on infrastructure architecture using Kubernetes, Juju, and MAAS

RUBY ON RAILS

POSTGRES

JUJU

KUBERNETES

DOCKER

Software Test Engineer Consultant

Central Logic open_in_new

Nov 2016 - Jul 2018

location_on Nairobi, Kenya wifi remote

Served as a beacon of innovation and expertise, illuminating the path forward with invaluable product insights and technological foresight.
Engineered and curated an arsenal of test libraries, breathing new life into the pre-existing test framework with a judicious blend of innovation and pragmatism.
Parsed, dissected, and scrutinized test results with the discerning eye of a seasoned detective, swiftly identifying and neutralizing complex problems.
Stood as a bulwark against failure, providing battle-hardened solutions to stubborn issues and illuminating the path to success in the darkest of testing tunnel

JAVA

MAVEN

SELENIUM

Software Test Engineer in Test

C Central Logic open_in_new

Jun 2016 - Nov 2016

location_on South Jordan UT business hybrid

Provided product insights and technological foresight.
Developed and maintained test libraries for the existing framework.
Analyzed test results and logged bugs and potential issues
Offered solutions to complex problems and ensured successful implementation
Collaborated with other software engineers and engineers in test to ensure successful implementation of new features and bug fixes
Developed automated tests using Java and Selenium.
Participated in product review meetings and guided the product direction.