Michael describes himself as a go-getter and self-motivated engineering lead. He enjoys spending time in nature and can work out a chord or two on the piano and acoustic guitar when not building software.
At Cellulant, Michael leads teams of adept software engineers and team leads to build the payment products that serve our customers across Africa.
What drives you?
I believe that the world and solutions around me were created by people who are no more intelligent than me. All I need is to work with the resources I have and, together with the people around me, try to figure out the solution(s) to the problems we are trying to solve.
Where and what did you study in university?
KCA University – BSC in Information Technology.
What attracted you to Cellulant?
I’ve always desired and worked to be an outstanding software engineer who solves complex problems. On-campus, only a handful of companies in Kenya were solving challenging engineering problems and building transformational products simultaneously.
I joined Cellulant to do precisely that.
Describe Cellulant in one sentence
Make possible – Throw a complex problem at a “Cellulanter,” and they will figure it out. Somehow! Whatever it takes.
Which have been the most rewarding moments?
Building teams, I’ve had the privilege to build multiple teams in Cellulant. Seeing the engineers grow from potential to solving complex problems has been the most fulfilling moment in my journey.
Some of the notable products I’ve worked on with teams are; the first unified MPESA integration for all Kenyan banks, Ecobank’s mobile banking platform, re-platforming version 4 of our mobile banking product, and Tingg 6 platform and related suite of products, to name a few.
Read Also; I am Driven by the Need to create Impact – Emmanuel Kabeya
What have been some of the challenging moments?
The Dusit attack in Jan 2019 was the most challenging moment in my life and in Cellulant. We upgraded the then mobile banking platform version and launched it for Ecobank while healing from the attack as a people and team. That moment taught me how much the people you work with become your family. I am grateful to my team and the Cellulant family for standing by my side and with my family during those trying times.
Who has been the most significant influence in your career?
My mentors. They say it takes a village to raise a child; I say it takes a clan to raise a leader. I am privileged to have a robust support system of mentors, friends, and family who challenge and support me to take on bigger challenges.
They inspire me to keep going, keep learning, and sharpen my craft. I am indebted immeasurably.
What do you love most about working at Cellulant?
The people, the challenges we are solving for Africa. The vision of the journey ahead.
What’s the one problem you are solving for clients in Cellulant markets?
A seamless way to pay and get paid across all our markets in Africa. We empower merchants to collect, send payments in 33 markets through a single API, and get settled once. That value proposition to merchants and our customers will continue to deepen as we profoundly innovate to ensure the best quality of service and user experience on all our products.
Read Also; I love Solving Customers’ Problems Effectively and Efficiently – Mkenya
How do you want to be remembered?
As someone who ensured there was unlimited opportunities for growth for the engineers in my team resulting in them reaching their full potential. I would also want to be remembered as someone that discovered untapped talent, awakened unspoken dreams, and its impact on the communities we serve, people, and their quality of life.
This, on repeat!
In your own words, what does Cellulant want to do in Africa, and why is that inspirational for you?
Cellulant is shaping a new frontier for the digital payment space in Africa. We transform the way people pay, and businesses get paid, accelerating growth, and creating new opportunities for Africa and its people.
It’s simple, the impact and opportunities we will create on this journey.
