Xavier Okwach

Founder, Riara Cloud Hub | Backend Engineer – Java Microservices, React & AWS Deployment Passionate about building cloud-native, payment-integrated systems with real-world impact. AWS Certified | Skilled in Java, Spring Boot, React, Docker, and CI/CD with GitHub Actions.

About Me

I’m a passionate and driven backend engineer with a strong foundation in Java and Spring Boot, focused on building scalable, event-driven microservices and cloud-native applications.

A proud graduate of Masinde Muliro University with a Diploma in Information Technology, I specialize in backend development, cloud computing (AWS), and web development.

I’ve built complete transport systems, integrated production-level C2B M-Pesa payments, developed dynamic React frontends, and deployed full-stack applications using Docker, Amazon ECS Fargate, S3, and GitHub Actions for CI/CD pipelines.

I’m also an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and continuously deepen my expertise in DevOps and cloud automation.

Beyond backend systems, I have a deep fascination with microprocessors like the 6502 and Raspberry Pi, which fuel my curiosity about how technology works at the hardware level.

I’m also the founder of Riara Cloud Hub, a company committed to delivering innovative machine learning and cloud-based solutions for businesses in Africa and beyond.

Whether I’m exploring machine learning, writing clean Java code, or wiring up end-to-end cloud infrastructure, I’m always focused on solving real-world problems through thoughtful, impactful technology.

Skillset

JavaScript

Git

MongoDB

SQL

Java

Node js

CSS

HTML5

My Tools

Linux

GitHub

Windows

Figma

Visual Studio

Android Studio

My Qualifications

Combined with a passion for continuous learning, my qualifications extend beyond academia, encompassing hands-on projects and a commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends.

Diploma in Information Technology

Software Development

Armed with a Diploma in IT, I have a solid foundation in software development, data structures, and algorithms.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Cloud Computing

This certification validates my understanding of core AWS services, cloud architecture, billing, and security forming a strong foundation for building and deploying cloud-native applications.

Linux Power User

System Administration

Comfortable working with the Linux command line, shell scripting, package management, and server configuration. I regularly use Linux for development, deployment, and system automation.

Intern

Hands-On Industry Experience

As an intern, I have gained hands-on experience in user-support and computer networking at an IT Department in a government institution.

Junior Developer

Nurturing Creativity

As a junior developer, I am dedicated to honing my skills and cultivating creative instincts.

Junior Design Strategist

Shaping Vision into Reality

As a junior design strategist, my focus extends beyond execution to strategic design thinking.

Recent Projects

project

FlightReservation

A full-stack flight booking app with user authentication, seat selection, and live C2B M-Pesa payments. Built with Spring Boot and React, and deployed to AWS using ECS Fargate behind an Application Load Balancer (ALB).

project

CampoYangu

A full-stack school blogging platform where users can write, manage, and share stories publicly or privately. Built with Node.js, Express, MongoDB, Google OAuth, and server-side rendering using Handlebars.

project

eBay Deal Scraper

A Node.js-based web scraper using Puppeteer to extract products with the lowest prices from eBay in real-time. Helps users find affordable deals quickly and efficiently.

project

SafariBot

An AI-powered voice assistant for booking EasyCoach tickets via phone. Built with Vapi, OpenAI, and connected to a backend system for real-time reservation handling.
Call the agent: +1 (254) 735 1537

project

Ludo Game

A Python-based Ludo game with AI opponents trained using the PPO algorithm from Stable Baselines3. Combines a custom Gym environment and reinforcement learning to simulate strategic decision-making. Built with Pygame for visualization.

project

Figma Design

App design using Figma tool

Testimonials

I was thoroughly impressed with Xavier's performance during their internship in the ICT department. He not only showcased solid technical skills in system troubleshooting and user support but also brought great energy and a collaborative spirit to the team. His proactive approach and keen attention to detail was evident in every task he handled. A true professional in the making.

From day one, Xavier approached his internship with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to take on challenges. He quickly became a dependable team member who could be trusted to deliver quality work under minimal supervision. His growth over the course of the internship was remarkable. I'm confident Xavier has a promising future in the ICT industry.