Nelson Njihia Knelso

Nelson Njihia

Software Engineer · Founder, Synapse Softwares · Nairobi, Kenya

I build software that works — for real businesses, real users, and real problems across East Africa.

By day I work as a software engineer at Jendie Automobiles Limited, designing and maintaining the fleet management and inventory systems the business depends on. Outside of that, I run Synapse Softwares, where I take on client projects, build open-source developer tooling, and work toward a longer-term infrastructure play for the African tech ecosystem.

My work sits at the intersection of product thinking and engineering execution. I do not just write code — I architect systems, own the full product lifecycle, and ship things that hold up under real use.

What I Build With

Frontend — Next.js · React · TypeScript · Tailwind CSS · Framer Motion

Backend — Supabase · Node.js · PostgreSQL · REST APIs

Mobile — React Native · Expo · NativeWind

Integrations — M-Pesa Daraja · iTrack GPS · Protrack APIs · Advanta SMS

Other — Python · TurboRepo · Vercel · Railway

Selected Work

Protracks System — Fleet operations and inventory management platform for Jendie Protrack Limited. Real-time GPS tracking via iTrack and Protrack APIs, SMS client notifications, and a Supabase PostgreSQL backend.

TrackMyKid — School transport tracking app for Nairobi parents and transport assistants. Live GPS, boarding manifests, session-based timing, and role-based auth. Built in React Native with an Expo and Railway stack.

Rahisi-Biz — Business management platform for SMEs across East Africa. Invoicing, inventory, sales tracking, and M-Pesa payment collection in one system.

UmojaSDK — Open-core TypeScript and Python SDK for African mobile money. M-Pesa Daraja and Airtel Money support. TurboRepo monorepo structure with an open core and SaaS cloud layer.

NelsonLabs — Free developer education platform for African engineers. Structured learning paths, no paywalls, no gatekeeping.

Currently

Building out Synapse Softwares — software and infrastructure for the African market
Developing UmojaSDK as the payment integration layer African startups should not have to rebuild from scratch
Mentoring young people who want to break into the software industry