Behind every seamless payment experience, every instant transaction in the digital payments industry, stands a master of the technological symphony – the Site Reliability Engineer.With a blend of technical prowess and unyielding dedication. They are the unseen guardians of the payment gateway. Ensuring the smooth flow of funds in the virtual realm, from battling potential downtime demons to orchestrating fault-tolerant systems. The SRE Engineer’s mission is clear: to keep the heartbeat of modern finance pounding with unwavering reliability.
Step into the dynamic world of digital payments, where innovation meets stability and the maestro behind the scenes, as told by Jane Njihia.
An engineer in the Site Reliability Engineering team. She goes by the moniker ‘head girl,’ which she got from her previous role because she actively ensured people attended to their overdue tickets. Jane shares how she ensures Cellulant offers a seamless payment experience for global businesses in Africa. How she knew about Cellulant, and how she has been a part of a company with a culture that resonates with her.
Jane, Please tell us about yourself.
My name is Jane Njihia. I am the eldest among six siblings, born and raised in Kiambu County. I have so much passion for F1 racing, and I’m captivated by everything related to the skies and galaxies. Especially constellations,during my early years, I dreamt of becoming a pilot, influenced by a neighbor who flew in with a helicopter, mesmerizing me with the elegance of it all. However, as time passed, my interests evolved, and I set my sights on a career as a politician and an international diplomat. This shift in focus led me to change my university course. My original placement to pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
During my first two years on campus, I immersed myself in politics, actively participating in student leadership roles and securing victories in various elections. However, a significant turning point came in my third year when I got appointed to lead ICT, media, and journalism at the University’s Christian Union. This role exposed me to information technology, particularly website administration, where I discovered a newfound passion for coding.
You mentioned you initially had aspirations of becoming a Diplomat. As patriotic as you can be, which tourist destination in Kenya would you recommend?
Mambrui Sand Dunes, located in Malindi, along the coastal region of Kenya. A mesmerizing destination that can be easily be mistaken for Dubai. With its golden beaches and enchanting dunes, this place offers a truly remarkable experience.
Who is your favorite African Influencer, and why!
Interesting.You got me a good one here, but Nelly Cheboi. The co-founder of TechLit Africa and A Forbes 30 under 30 recognized influencer. Her ability to blend her career and passion is inspiring, leading to extraordinary accomplishments and remarkable exploits through the TechLit Africa program.
What is something you wish you had known earlier in life?
Life won’t always unfold according to our meticulously crafted plans. Trust me when I say this unpredictability is a blessing in disguise. As we journey through the ups and downs, detours, and surprises, we discover the beauty of embracing the unexpected. We find opportunities for growth, resilience, and self-discovery through these unplanned moments. Life’s twists and turns challenge us to adapt, think creatively, and broaden our perspectives. They teach us to let go of rigid expectations and open our hearts to the limitless possibilities beyond our plans. In relinquishing control, we invite the magic of spontaneity and the joy of serendipity. So, let us embrace the uncertainty amid life’s deviations from our plans. We uncover a tapestry of experiences that make
What drives you?
There is endless room for personal growth and the capacity to improve myself continuously. With this awareness, I understand that only one unique individual, Jane Njihia, can fulfill my purpose and wholeheartedly pursue my passions. The realization that my time is limited in the grand scheme of things and that one-day people will forget me further fuels my motivation. I am always driven to seize the present moment and strive to give my absolute best in everything I do.
What do you do at Cellulant?
As an SRE Engineer, my role revolves around streamlining operations through automation and identifying areas for service enhancement. As part of the SRE team, we diligently address repetitive tasks by implementing automated solutions. Additionally, we analyze our services, identifying gaps and devising strategies to improve their performance.
We ensure a smoother operational workflow by leveraging automation and continuously evaluating our systems. We strive for our services’ ongoing advancement while offering our customers a seamless payment experience every time.
How did you know about Cellulant, and what attracted you to the company?
My introduction to Cellulant came through my friends on campus who were part of a group called Rays of Hope. Most were in the middle of their internships at Cellulant, and their discussions about the company’s culture caught my attention. Intrigued by what I heard, I researched about the company. I discovered that Cellulant was a technology company, and through their payment gateway, Tingg focuses on creating a seamless payment experience for businesses. Their vision felt impactful, and I was captivated. Fueled by my curiosity, I applied for an internship position, and, as they say, the rest is history. Today, I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this team that is making a significant difference in transforming payments across the continent.
What would you say has been the most exciting part of the job?
The thrill of my job lies in the daily acquisition of new knowledge. The remarkable aspect of working at Cellulant is that there is an inherent understanding that one can never reach a point of knowing everything or knowing enough. Each day serves as an opportunity for continuous learning, ensuring that every day spent at Cellulant is to expand our understanding and expertise.
What has been the most rewarding moment?
The most fulfilling experience in my career occurred when I was still part of the Service desk team, and I successfully retrieved and analyzed the log. Despite my limited IT background, all of this happened, igniting a transformation that shaped who I am today. During my first week of accessing the servers, I mistakenly believed that terminals displayed passwords, so I inadvertently blocked my password throughout that week. Reflecting on those moments makes me laugh, but I am grateful for the lessons they taught me.
What has been the most significant challenge/learning opportunity about the job?
The journey from being a non-tech individual to becoming a software engineer has been my most significant challenge and an incredible opportunity. It propelled me out of my comfort zone and into a dynamic learning environment that continues to this day. I am constantly acquiring new knowledge and skills. I have developed a deep connection with Cellulant, recognizing it as a place that offers boundless opportunities for personal and professional growth“ Endless opportunities, endless growth.”
Who has been the most significant influence in your career & why?
I had the privilege of meeting two remarkable ladies at Cellulant: Tasha Wangari and Judith Kalondu. These incredible individuals not only believed in me when my confidence wavered but also inspired me to dream big and strive for greater heights in IT. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in my journey.
Which Cellulant value do you resonate with more and why?
Lead by courage. I resonates with the value because to lead by courage is to ignite a flame within oneself and others, inspiring change and transformation.
How do you want people to remember you?
My desire is for people to remember me as a source of inspiration. I aim to ignite the flame of passion and motivation in others. Encouraging them to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination. By sharing my experiences, triumphs, and failures. I will demonstrate the importance of resilience, perseverance, and the courage to overcome obstacles. Through my words and actions, I want to inspire others to believe in themselves and reach their full potential.
In your own words, what does Cellulant want to do in Africa,and why is that inspirational for you?
Cellulant empowers our merchants by actively listening to and addressing their payment challenges and aspirations by offering a seamless payment experience. The company is commits to transforming Africa’s digital payment landscape. I take great pride in contributing to this remarkable journey of reshaping Africa’s future in terms of digital payments.
Parting Quote
Action is the foundational key to all success.
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