Open to opportunities

Nelson Sakwa

@nelsonsakwa

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Senior Product and User Interface Designer with fintech expertise.

Kenya

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking a role that fosters creativity and collaboration, allowing me to leverage my design skills to create impactful user experiences.

I am a Senior Product and User Interface Designer with extensive experience in fintech, logistics, and SaaS environments. My journey began in 2011, and since then, I have honed my skills in creating user-centric designs that enhance digital experiences. At Namiri Technology, I played a pivotal role in developing DigiTax, a platform that simplifies VAT filing and e-invoicing across multiple countries. My collaborative approach with cross-functional teams has allowed me to build robust design systems that cater to diverse user needs.

Previously, as a Senior UI Designer at I&M Bank, I led the design of corporate features for the OnTheGo platform, working closely with stakeholders to improve user experience across various modules. My tenure at Twiga Foods further solidified my expertise in product design, where I engaged directly with users to gather feedback and iteratively improve our digital offerings. I thrive in environments that challenge my creativity and allow me to contribute to impactful projects.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Senior UI / Product Coordinator Designer

Namiri Technology

Mar 2023 - May 2025 (2 years 2 months)

Led the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive design system for DigiTax, a web, mobile, and API platform for VAT filing and e-invoicing. Provided visual and user experience guidance for cross-platform applications, including web, point-of-sale systems, and mobile solutions with Windows OCR.

UI Design Product Design Design Systems Fintech SaaS Web Design Mobile Design APIs User Experience

Senior UI Designer

I&M Bank Limited

Jul 2021 - May 2023 (1 year 10 months)

Served as a senior user interface designer and temporary team lead, focusing on corporate features for the OnTheGo (OTG) platform. Collaborated with Backbase and stakeholders to enhance user experience across corporate, retail, and digital onboarding modules on Android, iOS, and progressive web apps.

UI Design User Experience Fintech Retail Banking Onboarding Android iOS Team Leadership

Product Designer & User Experience Researcher

Twiga Foods Ltd

Jan 2019 - May 2021 (2 years 4 months)

Designed and implemented in-house digital products, including SokoYetu, an e-commerce platform for shop vendors, and contributed to Twiga’s data management system. Actively gathered firsthand user feedback in the field and provided tech support through Zendesk.

Product Design User Experience Research Data Management Systems User Feedback Zendesk Collaboration

Freelance Graphics Designer & Wordpress Developer

Sakwa Design Studio

Apr 2014 - Oct 2019 (5 years 6 months)

Undertook various freelance projects, including subcontract work for 3xpose Design, where I designed and developed WordPress websites. The most significant project was designing the Mookh website, a digital ticketing and commerce platform for East Africa, collaborating with an engineering team.

WordPress Development Web Design Digital Ticketing Platforms Client Management Collaboration

Graphics Design Intern

GrowthAfrica Consulting / GrowthHub

Dec 2013 - Feb 2014 (2 months)

Created design stationery for internal use, including business cards and letterheads. Additionally, I was tasked with initiating the redesign of the GrowthAfrica group of websites.

Stationery Design Branding Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop

Web Designer and Developer

Octopus ICT Solutions

Jan 2011 - Sep 2011 (8 months)

Developed websites for various clients, collaborating with a team on projects in the airline and insurance industries. This role marked the beginning of my career in information technology.

Web Design Web Development Team Collaboration Information Technology Airlines Insurance Industry

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Multimedia Media University of East Africa (formerly KCCT)

Bsc Business Information Technology, Business Information Technology

Grade: Second Class Upper Honors

Awarded a Bsc in Business Information Technology by Greenwich University (UK). Achieved Second Class Upper Honors. Focused on Business Studies, Information Technology Project Management, Database, and Information Systems.