Building Scalable Web Systems
Lessons learned designing high-performance backend systems using Symfony, Vue, and PostgreSQL.
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James Njuguna
Senior Systems Engineer
I design and build scalable systems, APIs, and mobile applications that solve complex engineering challenges. My work focuses on reliability, performance, and maintaining simplicity at scale.
Backend Architecture
Designing scalable and maintainable systems for high-traffic applications.
API Design
REST & GraphQL APIs optimized for reliability and performance.
PostgreSQL Optimization
Query tuning, indexing, and database scaling for large datasets.
Large-Scale Systems
Engineering resilient distributed systems handling millions of requests.
Engineering Systems
Fireweb Incident Platform
Operational DataHigh VolumeBackend Architecture
Symfony • PostgreSQL • Vue • REST APIs • Data Workflows
Large-scale incident management and operational reporting platform used for real-time incident tracking, reporting workflows, and geospatial data processing. Built with Symfony and PostgreSQL handling complex relational data, audit history, and high-volume operational reporting.
2024
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Odibets Mobile Application
1M+ DownloadsReal-Time AnalyticsScalable APIs
Flutter • Phalcon • Firebase • Android • iOS • Mobile APIs
Flutter-based mobile betting app serving over 1M+ downloads across Android and iOS. Built on scalable Phalcon APIs with Firebase for analytics, crash reporting, and distribution. Rapid iteration enabled by real-time insights and monitoring.
2023
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Wasfibet Mobile Platform
1M+ DownloadsCrash ReportingRealtime Metrics
Flutter • Phalcon • Firebase • Android • iOS • Scalable APIs
Cross-platform gaming platform developed with Flutter and scalable Phalcon backend services. Leveraged Firebase for crash monitoring, analytics, and distribution to continuously optimize performance and user experience.
2023
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Vaspro Messaging Platform
20M SMS/dayDistributed SystemsTelecom Integrations
Vue.js • Tailwind • Phalcon • Go • Distributed Workers • SMS Gateways
High-throughput SMS marketing and rewards platform terminating 20M+ SMS messages daily across East Africa. Vue.js + Tailwind frontend with Phalcon APIs and Go-based background daemons handling message pipelines. Integrations with Safaricom, Airtel, and Vodacom.
2022
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ThriveVas Engagement System
20M SMS/dayDistributed WorkersEast Africa Reach
Vue.js • Tailwind • Phalcon • Go • Messaging Systems • Telecom APIs
Enterprise SMS engagement platform supporting large-scale campaigns and real-time user interaction via one-way and two-way messaging. Built with Vue.js + Tailwind frontend and Phalcon + Go backend, powered by distributed workers across East Africa.
2022
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RentNest Property Platform
Automated BillingBackground WorkersOperational Insights
Laravel • Vue.js • Tailwind • Go • Automation Workers • Analytics
Full-stack rental management platform automating tenant invoicing, rent collection, and utility billing based on water meter readings. Laravel APIs + Vue.js + Tailwind frontend, Go background workers for scheduled tasks. Google Analytics tracks engagement and platform usage.
2024
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Engineering Journal
PostgreSQL Performance Lessons
Real production lessons about query optimization, indexes, and database scaling.
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Engineering Principles That Guide My Work
The core engineering philosophy I follow when designing software systems.
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Designing Reliable APIs
Practical lessons for building APIs that survive real production traffic.
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About Me
I'm James Njuguna, a senior systems engineer based in Nairobi. I design and build scalable backend systems, distributed services, and high-performance mobile applications.
My work focuses on engineering reliability at scale, creating systems that handle millions of users or messages daily, while maintaining simplicity and operational clarity.
• Simplicity over complexity
• Measure before optimizing
• Design for maintainability
• Build resilient systems
Technologies & Stack
• PHP / Symfony
• TypeScript / Node.js
• PostgreSQL / Redis
• Docker / Kubernetes
• GraphQL / REST
• Vue / React
• Flutter / Phalcon
• Go / Laravel
• Firebase / Google Analytics
• Tailwind CSS
Experience Highlights
FirewebEApp (2024) — Backend / System Architecture
Odibets Mobile App (2023) — Mobile & API Engineering
Wasfibet Mobile Platform (2023) — Mobile & Distributed Systems
Vaspro Messaging System (2022) — High-throughput SMS Systems
ThriveVas (2022) — Enterprise Messaging & Rewards
RentNest (2024) — Full-stack Automation Platform
Get In Touch
EMAIL
hello@jamesnjuguna.devGITHUB
github.com/jamesnjugunaLINKEDIN
linkedin.com/in/jamesnjugunaTWITTER
@jamesnjugunaWHATSAPP
+254 724 040 350Currently based in Nairobi (GMT+3). Open to remote engineering roles and consulting.