Benson is available for hire
Hire BensonBenson Thuo
Verified Expert in Engineering
Support Specialist Developer
Location
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Toptal Member Since
January 12, 2023
Benson is a highly skilled security and network developer with a solid IT background and a proven history of excellence in implementations, post-go-live support, cybersecurity, and network and system administration. His expertise in renowned companies across diverse sectors, including agriculture, telecommunications, carbon credit, and event management. Currently overseeing the IT security of more than fifty companies, Benson's adaptability and proficiency make him a standout professional,
Portfolio
Real Estate Company (via Toptal)
Email, HubSpot CRM, HubSpot, Google Workspace, Business Services, Gmail...
Carbon Credit Company (via Toptal)
IT Support, Google Cloud, IT Security, Security...
Kenya Tea Development Agency Limted
SAP, SAP Security, Authorization, ABAP, SAP BI Security, SAP HR Security...
Experience
Availability
Part-time
Preferred Environment
SAP, Linux, SAP Security, IT Networking, Infrastructure, Active Directory Federation, Information Security, IT Administration, Windows System Administration, Solution Architecture, DNS Configuration, APIs, Windows, Windows 10, System Administration
The most amazing...
...achievement: an object-oriented program for more than 50 companies, ensuring segregation of duties, mitigating fraud, and upholding data privacy and security.
Work Experience
Systems Developer
2023 - PRESENT
Real Estate Company (via Toptal)
- Integrated email systems with a diverse range of third-party applications and platforms by streamlining the exchange of information, documents, and data, accelerating decision-making and resulting in a more agile and competitive organization.
- Oversaw the establishment of a video hosting platform that prioritizes confidentiality and privacy and maintains integrity, preventing tampering and unauthorized modifications and ensuring videos are presented as intended, free from manipulation or distortion.
- Implemented an innovative email tracking solution with real-time visibility into email interactions, enabling data-driven decisions and optimizing communication strategies by seamlessly integrating existing communication infrastructure.
Technologies: Email, HubSpot CRM, HubSpot, Google Workspace, Business Services, Gmail, IT Automation, DNS Configuration, Technical Consulting, Technical Leadership, Requirements Analysis, WordPress, Windows 10, APIs, System Administration
IT Support | Security Specialist
2023 - PRESENT
Carbon Credit Company (via Toptal)
- Designed and implemented workflows for the onboarding process and transformed the task into a seamless, efficient, and secure process. It also ensured strict adherence to security protocols and compliance standards, mitigating risks and bolstering integrity.
- Designed reports that generate insights into mobile device management to efficiently manage a diverse array of devices across multiple countries and time zones with real-time visibility into the progress of device set up for our international users.
- Developed a comprehensive and forward-looking ICT policy that addresses the ever-evolving technological landscape. This policy is a guiding beacon, aligning our organization's IT initiatives with its overarching goals and objectives.
Technologies: IT Support, Google Cloud, IT Security, Security, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), HR Tools, MacBook, Office 365, Azure Active Directory B2C (ADB2C), Google Workspace, Business Services, Email, Gmail, Azure Active Directory, IT Automation, DNS Configuration, Technical Consulting, Technical Leadership, Requirements Analysis, Windows 10, APIs, System Administration
SAP Security Administrator
2017 - PRESENT
Kenya Tea Development Agency Limted
- Managed a team of five, including system administrators and QAs, to successfully execute a large-scale SAP implementation for a sales and marketing company, optimizing processes and enhancing efficiency.
- Successfully coached and reviewed three developers while efficiently overseeing SAP end user accounts' configuration, administration, and maintenance and ensured flawless permissions and access rights management across diverse client environments.
- Guided management in implementing SOD compliance within the SAP controlling module. Imposed controlled restrictions on areas, orders, cost centers, and groups, mitigated fraud risks, and ensured robust data privacy.
- Efficiently supported user authorization and account administration for 50+ companies, mitigating fraud risks and ensuring data privacy. Safeguarded critical data, earning trust as a reliable guardian of digital assets.
- Demonstrated exceptional project management skills, ensuring seamless system migration within set release periods. Meticulously documented changes and secured signoff, guaranteeing a successful and on-time implementation.
- Implemented security tools, fortifying over 50 companies' SAP ERP systems against intrusion and ABAP code penetration. Ensured robust monitoring, detection, and prevention, safeguarding sensitive data and bolstering cyber resilience.
Technologies: SAP, SAP Security, Authorization, ABAP, SAP BI Security, SAP HR Security, Authentication, User Authentication, Scrum, Agile, Windows, Linux, SQL, SAP HANA, IT Audits, Policy, C#, SAP S4 HANA Cloud Services, IT Support, IT Security, Security, MacBook, Google, Anti-spam Protection, Antivirus Software, IoT Security, Troubleshooting, Procure to Pay, Monitoring, System Administration, Cybersecurity, Network Security, Network Protocols, Penetration Testing, Google+, HR Tools, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), System Service & Hardware Control, SAP ERP, Linux Servers, IT Infrastructure, IT, IT Networking, Infrastructure, Technical Writing, Networking, Technical Documentation, Documentation, MacOS, FortiGate, DHCP, Universal Router, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Wireless Systems, VLANs, Fortinet Firewall Configuration, Hotspot, PCI, Servers, Design, SAP Warehouse Management System (WMS), SAP S/4HANA, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Change Management, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Active Directory Federation, Windows Server 2016, Excel Expert, Leadership, VPN, Audits, SAP Integration, SAP Implementation, SAP HCM, SAP PM, Information Security, IT Administration, Database Security, Microsoft 365, Windows 11, Windows PowerShell, SAP Testing, Testing, ITIL, Spreadsheets, Reports, Network Management Stations (NMS), Windows System Administration, Solution Architecture, IT Automation, DNS Configuration, Technical Consulting, Technical Leadership, Requirements Analysis, Windows 10, APIs
System and Network Administrator
2016 - PRESENT
Kenya Tea Development Agency Limited
- Designed network specifications from user requirements, analyzing workflow, access, information, and security requirements.
- Designed, configured, and analyzed requirements and appropriate servers (over 60 in the head office) for deploying different applications.
- Evaluated and identified the effectiveness of the current architecture, business security issues, and loopholes and took remedial action.
- Maintained network performance by monitoring and analyzing usage trends and tune performance.
- Troubleshooted network problems and escalated from ICT services, seven regional offices, all 68 factories, and KTDA subsidiaries where necessary.
- Advised on networking standards and specifications for various networking needs and evaluated and implemented best technologies for optimal performance.
- Oversaw the implementation of networking projects in the organization to ensure they were carried out according to the expected standards and procedures.
- Identified potential network infrastructure systems threats, monitored and analyzed the intrusion detection system (IDS) and implemented mitigation.
- Ensured the integrity and protection of networks, systems, and applications by technical enforcement of organizational security policies.
- Liaised with relevant officers from ICT-Services, ICT Business Systems, RICTCs, FSAs, and a security administrator, to ensure network availability and that the server system resources flow flawlessly.
Technologies: Cisco, Networks, Windows, Back-end Admin Systems, Linux, Microsoft, VMware, SANs, Business Continuity Planning (BCP), Disaster Recovery Plans (DRP), Cisco Switches, Cisco Routers, LAN, WAN, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), Access Control, DNS, Domain DNS Setup, Windows Server, Linux Servers, C#, SAP, SAP HANA, SAP S4 HANA Cloud Services, IT Support, IT Security, Security, MacBook, Google, Anti-spam Protection, Antivirus Software, IoT Security, Troubleshooting, Procure to Pay, Monitoring, System Administration, Cybersecurity, Network Security, Network Protocols, Penetration Testing, IT Audits, Google+, L3 Network Protocol, SQL, HR Tools, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), System Service & Hardware Control, SAP ERP, IT Infrastructure, IT, IT Networking, IP PBX, PBX, Infrastructure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Technical Writing, Networking, Technical Documentation, Documentation, MacOS, FortiGate, DHCP, Universal Router, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Wireless Systems, VLANs, Fortinet Firewall Configuration, Hotspot, PCI, Servers, Design, SAP Warehouse Management System (WMS), Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Active Directory Federation, Windows Server 2016, Excel Expert, VPN, Audits, Information Security, IT Administration, Database Security, Microsoft 365, Windows 11, Windows PowerShell, Testing, ITIL, Spreadsheets, Reports, Network Management Stations (NMS), Windows System Administration, Solution Architecture, Microsoft Exchange, Email, IT Automation, DNS Configuration, Technical Consulting, Technical Leadership, Requirements Analysis, Windows 10
Chief Technology Officer
2015 - PRESENT
Sunflower Events
- Led a four-person technical team to developed and implement an IT infrastructure solution across software, IT networks, and IT security disciplines ensuring systems availability to more than thirty system users.
- Implemented an accounting application that eradicated manual processes and paperwork while increasing the process's efficiency. It also helped run payroll and generate reports that helped management make decisions.
- Implemented remote work software that enabled 10+ users to work from home during the COVID-19 period. The same application helped me to support remote users and ensured business process continuity.
Technologies: Networks, System Administration, Troubleshooting, IT Support, Access Control, IT Audits, IoT Security, Cisco, MacBook, Windows, Microsoft, Antivirus Software, Monitoring, Anti-spam Protection, Firewalls, Google, Procure to Pay, Cybersecurity, Network Security, Network Protocols, Google+, L3 Network Protocol, HR Tools, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), System Service & Hardware Control, Linux Servers, Windows Server, IT Infrastructure, IT, IT Networking, IP PBX, PBX, Infrastructure, Networking, Documentation, MacOS, DHCP, Universal Router, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Wireless Systems, Hotspot, PCI, Servers, Design, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Excel Expert, CTO, Leadership, VPN, Information Security, IT Administration, GoDaddy, Database Security, Microsoft 365, Windows 11, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), IT Management, Spreadsheets, Reports, Solution Architecture, Microsoft Exchange, Windows System Administration, Google Workspace, Business Services, Email, Gmail, IT Automation, DNS Configuration, Technical Consulting, Technical Leadership, Requirements Analysis, Windows 10
IT Solutions Architect
2015 - 2016
Safaricom
- Designed information systems that deliver strategically using business acumen and understanding organization strategy. Showed strong knowledge of enterprise architecture methodologies such as TOGAF or the equivalent.
- Assessed a broad range of information solutions and products, particularly document management, collaboration, and content management.
- Explained technical concepts to lay audiences and worked with board-level stakeholders.
Technologies: Cisco, WAN, LAN, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), Customer Support, Cisco Wireless, Cisco Routers, FibreChannel, Solution Design, Presales, Network Operation Centers (NOC), IT Support, Google Cloud, IT Security, Security, MacBook, Google, Anti-spam Protection, Antivirus Software, Troubleshooting, Cybersecurity, Network Protocols, L3 Network Protocol, System Service & Hardware Control, Linux Servers, Windows Server, IT Infrastructure, IT, IT Networking, IP PBX, PBX, Infrastructure, Technical Writing, Networking, Technical Documentation, Documentation, MacOS, DHCP, Universal Router, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Wireless Systems, VLANs, Servers, Architecture, Design, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Excel Expert, VPN, Information Security, IT Administration, ITIL, Spreadsheets, Reports, Solution Architecture, Microsoft Exchange, Windows System Administration, IT Automation, DNS Configuration, Technical Consulting, Requirements Analysis, Windows 10
ICT Officer
2011 - 2012
Nexus Networx
- Offered technical support on-site, via phone, or by email.
- Configured computer networks and structured cabling.
- Installed hardware and software systems and maintained or repaired equipment.
- Provided technical support services and closed-circuit television installation.
Technologies: Projects, CCNA, CompTIA Network+ Certification, Networks, IT Infrastructure, IT Support, Google Cloud, IT Security, Security, MacBook, Google, Anti-spam Protection, Antivirus Software, Troubleshooting, Monitoring, System Administration, Cybersecurity, Network Protocols, System Service & Hardware Control, Windows Server, IT, IT Networking, IP PBX, PBX, Infrastructure, Networking, Documentation, MacOS, DHCP, Universal Router, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Wireless Systems, Hotspot, Servers, Design, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Excel Expert, VPN, Information Security, IT Administration, Spreadsheets, Reports, Microsoft Exchange, Windows System Administration, DNS Configuration, Requirements Analysis
Experience
Project Imarisha for Kenya Tea Development Agency Limited
https://news.sap.com/africa/2022/09/kenya-tea-development-agency-brews-perfect-technology-mix/Successfully implemented the SAP Enterprise Resource Planner (ERP) crossover fifty companies. Through meticulous users, roles, and authorizations creation across diverse modules such as finance, controlling, sales and distribution, and quality assurance, we achieved a remarkable cost reduction of $65 million annually.
Efficient SAP ERP implementation: seamless SAP ERP deployment. Ensuring the implementation process was smooth and aligned with each company's unique requirements.
Thorough users, roles, and authorizations management: data security and access controls meticulously defined user roles and authorizations for various personnel within each organization by tailoring the configurations to match specific roles and responsibilities and enhanced system integrity, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
Cross-module expertise: Our comprehensive expertise spanned multiple modules, including finance, controlling, sales and distribution, and quality assurance. This proficiency allowed us to address the diverse needs of each company and ensure the ERP's seamless integration with existing systems and processes.
Efficient SAP ERP implementation: seamless SAP ERP deployment. Ensuring the implementation process was smooth and aligned with each company's unique requirements.
Thorough users, roles, and authorizations management: data security and access controls meticulously defined user roles and authorizations for various personnel within each organization by tailoring the configurations to match specific roles and responsibilities and enhanced system integrity, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
Cross-module expertise: Our comprehensive expertise spanned multiple modules, including finance, controlling, sales and distribution, and quality assurance. This proficiency allowed us to address the diverse needs of each company and ensure the ERP's seamless integration with existing systems and processes.
Streamlining Onboarding Excellence
Designing and implementing a cutting-edge workflow for automating the onboarding and systems access assignment process. Through transforming what was once a time-consuming and error-prone task into a seamless, efficient, and secure process.
The workflow also ensured strict adherence to security protocols and compliance standards, mitigating potential risks and bolstering data integrity. By automating this critical process, you have freed up valuable time for HR and IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives, driving innovation and growth throughout the organization.
The workflow also ensured strict adherence to security protocols and compliance standards, mitigating potential risks and bolstering data integrity. By automating this critical process, you have freed up valuable time for HR and IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives, driving innovation and growth throughout the organization.
Accounting and Payroll Automation Using Quickbooks
I automated accounting tasks such as bookkeeping, invoicing, time tracking, expense tracking, and inventory tracking with increased accuracy. This allowed businesses to easily track employee hours, set up payment schedules, and pay employees.
Empowering Informed Decisions with Comprehensive Reports
Designed and implemented comprehensive reports that have revolutionized how critical information is gathered and utilized within the organization. The approach to generating reports on Rippling mobile device management agent installation status, device condition, device health, and computer inventory for efficient operations. By meticulously collecting and presenting this data in a user-friendly and visually appealing manner, teams can make informed decisions with unparalleled efficiency and precision.
The reports provide real-time visibility into the status of Rippling agent installations, enabling the IT department to monitor and manage device onboarding seamlessly. This enhanced oversight has resulted in reduced set up times, ensuring that new employees can access the resources they need from the moment they join the team. The reports capture device condition, and health has proactively identified and addressed potential hardware and software issues. Maintenance teams can now optimize their workflows, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity across the organization. The computer inventory reports have streamlined asset tracking and resource allocation.
The reports provide real-time visibility into the status of Rippling agent installations, enabling the IT department to monitor and manage device onboarding seamlessly. This enhanced oversight has resulted in reduced set up times, ensuring that new employees can access the resources they need from the moment they join the team. The reports capture device condition, and health has proactively identified and addressed potential hardware and software issues. Maintenance teams can now optimize their workflows, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity across the organization. The computer inventory reports have streamlined asset tracking and resource allocation.
Skills
Languages
ABAP, PHP, Java, SQL, C#
Tools
SAP Security, VPN, SAP Quality Assurance (QA), SAP Portal, SAP Controlling (CO), SAP S/4HANA, Microsoft Excel, Spreadsheets, Microsoft Exchange, SAP Solution Management, VMware, SAP Workflow, SAP PM, Slack, Zoom, Notion, Azure Active Directory B2C (ADB2C)
Paradigms
Scrum, Agile, Penetration Testing, Change Management, Testing, ITIL, Requirements Analysis, Database Design, Agile Software Development
Platforms
Windows, SAP HANA, Linux, Microsoft, Windows Server, MacOS, Windows Server 2016, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Azure, WordPress, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Storage
SAP S4 HANA Cloud Services, FibreChannel, Database Security, Google Cloud, Database Modeling, Azure Active Directory, Databases
Industry Expertise
IT Security, Security, Cybersecurity, Network Security
Other
SAP, SAP HR Security, SAP BI Security, Networks, IP Networks, WiFi, Cisco, Cisco Switches, Firewalls, Authorization, Data Privacy, Networking, Policy, SAP Enterprise Portal, Microsoft Office, Web Development, Algorithms, Data Structures, Scrum Master, Scrum Product Owner, Authentication, User Authentication, IT Audits, Back-end Admin Systems, SANs, Business Continuity Planning (BCP), Disaster Recovery Plans (DRP), Cisco Routers, LAN, WAN, Access Control, DNS, Linux Servers, SAP ERP, Customer Support, Solution Design, Presales, Projects, CCNA, CompTIA Network+ Certification, IT Infrastructure, SAP Implementation, SAP Integration, User Roles, IT Support, MacBook, System Administration, Monitoring, Procure to Pay, IoT Security, Antivirus Software, Anti-spam Protection, Google, Network Protocols, Google+, L3 Network Protocol, HR Tools, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), System Service & Hardware Control, IT, IT Networking, Infrastructure, Technical Writing, Technical Documentation, Documentation, FortiGate, DHCP, Universal Router, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Wireless Systems, Fortinet Firewall Configuration, Hotspot, PCI, Servers, Architecture, Design, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Active Directory Federation, Excel Expert, CTO, Leadership, Information Security, IT Administration, GoDaddy, Microsoft 365, Windows 11, SAP Testing, IT Management, Reports, Office 365, IT Automation, Solution Architecture, Windows System Administration, Gmail, Email, Google Workspace, Business Services, DNS Configuration, Technical Consulting, Technical Leadership, Windows 10, DMZ Networks, Network Operation Centers (NOC), Audits, SAP HCM, IP PBX, PBX, VLANs, SAP Warehouse Management System (WMS), Network Management Stations (NMS), APIs, Data Encryption, eCommerce, IT Project Management, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), Domain DNS Setup, Cisco Wireless, User Flows, Troubleshooting, Intuit QuickBooks, QuickBooks Point of Sale, QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Advance Reporting, Excel 365, Mobile Device Management (MDM), iOS Mobile Device Management (MDM), Workflow, HubSpot CRM, HubSpot
Frameworks
Windows PowerShell
Education
2012 - 2015
Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology - Nairobi, Kenya
Certifications
SEPTEMBER 2022 - PRESENT
Privacy and Data Protection for Champions
The Computer Society of Kenya
FEBRUARY 2022 - PRESENT
Scrum Fundamentals Certified
Scrum.org
NOVEMBER 2019 - PRESENT
SAP ADM950: Secure System Management
SAP
NOVEMBER 2019 - PRESENT
SAP ADM940: AS ABAP Authorization Concept
SAP
NOVEMBER 2019 - PRESENT
SAP ADM: 900 System Security Fundamentals
SAP
NOVEMBER 2019 - PRESENT
Salesforce Certified Administrator in Enterprise Linux
SUSE
SEPTEMBER 2010 - PRESENT
CompTia Network + Support Skills
CompTIA