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Meshack Ariri

Systems Engineer and HIS Practitioner

aririmeshack@gmail.comGitHubLinkedInWebsite

Summary

I design, secure, and operate health information systems and infrastructure for programs that run in the real world. My work spans EMR deployments, network and server engineering, security-aware backend and internal tools, and AI/LLM integration. I focus on reliable rollouts, clear workflows, and systems that stay maintainable under pressure.

Experience

HMIS (Health Management Information Systems)

Program Appropriate for Technology in Health (PATH)Kenya

March 2025 - Present

  • Operate real-time cybersecurity monitoring across 180+ EMR deployments (KenyaEMR, TaifaCare, DHIS2), detecting and neutralizing threats before patient data exposure.
  • Execute vulnerability assessments and security audits on production databases, VPN infrastructure, and application servers, maintaining compliance with healthcare data protection standards.
  • Secure and maintain Windows/Linux server infrastructure hosting critical EMR data across 6 counties, implementing automated backups, encryption, and disaster recovery protocols.
  • Design and deliver cybersecurity training programs for 80+ healthcare workers, reducing phishing incidents and strengthening organizational security posture.
  • Lead security incident investigations with digital forensics analysis, producing actionable reports that prevent recurrence and improve system resilience.
  • Produce executive-level security and uptime reports tracking EMR system availability, incident response times, and compliance metrics across multi-county operations.
  • Architect secure integrations between EMR, laboratory, and pharmacy systems, enforcing data protection policies and HIPAA-aligned access controls.
  • Design and execute ETL operations across multiple EMR database servers (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB), transforming and migrating patient data between systems while maintaining data integrity and compliance.
  • Optimize database performance for high-volume EMR systems, writing complex SQL queries, managing indexes, and tuning configurations to reduce query response times by 50%.
  • Manage IT asset lifecycle and access control systems, implementing role-based permissions that reduce unauthorized access by 40%.

ICT Officer

Program Appropriate for Technology in Health (PATH)Kenya

January 2024 - March 2025

  • Managed ITIL-based incident lifecycle for 120+ users via Freshdesk, routing critical security escalations to subject matter experts and reducing mean time to resolution by 35%.
  • Delivered tier-1 and tier-2 technical support across 6 counties, maintaining >98% system uptime through proactive monitoring and rapid incident response protocols.
  • Architected and managed global Cisco Meraki network infrastructure (APs, switches, security appliances), delivering secure connectivity for multi-country operations with zero-downtime deployments.
  • Optimized international network performance through Meraki dashboard analytics, resolving connectivity bottlenecks, enforcing firewall policies, and supporting remote access across 15+ office locations.
  • Deployed and hardened Windows 10/11 endpoints, VoIP systems, and Office 365 suite (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint) with security baselines, reducing endpoint vulnerabilities by 50%.
  • Administered Active Directory for 120+ accounts, implementing least-privilege access models, automated provisioning workflows, and group policy enforcement across organizational units.
  • Operated VMware Carbon Black endpoint detection and response (EDR), neutralizing advanced threats in real time and reducing security incidents by 45%.
  • Maintained Linux server infrastructure with automated patch management, vulnerability scanning, and compliance monitoring, ensuring 99.9% uptime for critical services.
  • Performed database administration across multiple EMR servers, executing ETL workflows, data migrations, and backup operations using MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MariaDB to ensure data consistency and availability.
  • Developed database schemas and optimized SQL queries for reporting systems, reducing data extraction times from 2 hours to 15 minutes for monthly analytics dashboards.
  • Executed penetration testing and red team exercises, identifying 12 critical vulnerabilities and leading remediation efforts that strengthened organizational security posture.
  • Developed and delivered security awareness training programs on phishing, password management, and data handling, reducing user-reported security incidents by 60%.
  • Produced executive SLA compliance dashboards and IT asset inventory reports, enabling data-driven decisions that reduced operational costs by 20%.
  • Built comprehensive knowledge base documenting incident patterns, resolution procedures, and preventive measures, accelerating future incident response by 40%.

ICT Associate

Program Appropriate for Technology in Health (PATH)Kenya

April 2023 - December 2023

  • Resolved 200+ tier-1 IT support tickets across 6 county offices, troubleshooting hardware failures, software conflicts, and network connectivity issues with 95% first-call resolution rate.
  • Deployed network infrastructure for 8 remote office locations, configuring routers, switches, and wireless access points to establish reliable connectivity for field operations.
  • Executed EMR system deployments (KenyaEMR, OpenMRS) across 50+ healthcare facilities, performing system configuration, user training, and post-deployment support.
  • Engineered mobile data collection workflows using ODK (OpenDataKit) and Kobo Toolbox, enabling real-time field data capture and automated reporting for M&E teams.
  • Managed EMR database servers (MySQL, MariaDB) across multiple facilities, performing routine maintenance, data backups, and ETL operations to ensure data consistency and system reliability.
  • Streamlined data reporting pipelines from field collection to PRISM and National Data Warehouse, reducing reporting latency from 2 weeks to 48 hours.
  • Maintained IT infrastructure across county offices, performing preventive maintenance, hardware upgrades, and system optimizations that reduced downtime by 30%.
  • Supported ECD and DREAMS program technology initiatives, deploying tablets, mobile apps, and training materials for community health workers and program beneficiaries.
  • Completed cybersecurity training programs and implemented security best practices, contributing to zero security breaches during deployment period.

Education

BSc Applied Computing - Forensics and Cyber Security

University

2023

Artificial IntelligenceDatabase ManagementHuman Computer InteractionData AnalysisBusiness Process EngineeringWeb Development

Certifications

GitHub & Microsoft Career Essentials in Data Analysis

GitHub & Microsoft

Google IT Support

Google

CCNA

Cisco

GitHub Professional

GitHub

Azure Fundamentals

Microsoft

Projects & Case Studies

EMR Infrastructure Rollout across 180 Facilities

Overseeing comprehensive rollout of EMR infrastructure across multiple healthcare facilities in Kenya

  • Planned and executed infrastructure deployment across 180+ healthcare facilities
  • Configured location hierarchies, user roles, and form customization for each facility
  • Set up and maintained Linux servers hosting EMR applications and databases
  • Implemented biometric access management systems for secure facility access
  • Coordinated with vendors and procurement teams for equipment and services
  • Developed infrastructure SOPs and best practice documentation
  • Provided ongoing technical support and troubleshooting for facility staff

Outcomes:

  • Successfully deployed EMR systems across 180+ facilities
  • Improved patient data management and reporting capabilities
  • Reduced system downtime through proactive maintenance and monitoring
  • Established standardized deployment processes for future rollouts

County HIS Pilots: Nyamira (Tibabu, TaifaCare)

Piloting county-level health information systems rollout in Nyamira County

  • Configured and deployed Tibabu and TaifaCare systems for pilot facilities
  • Coordinated with county health officials and facility administrators
  • Implemented data collection workflows using ODK tools
  • Established reporting pipelines to PRISM and National Data Warehouse
  • Conducted user training and provided ongoing support
  • Documented pilot findings and recommendations for full rollout

Outcomes:

  • Successful pilot deployment in Nyamira County
  • Improved data collection and reporting workflows
  • Validated system configurations for broader county rollout
  • Enhanced collaboration between county health offices and facilities

Migration of On-Premise Servers to Cloud

Migrating EMR and application servers from on-premise infrastructure to cloud environments

  • Planned migration strategy and timeline for server migration
  • Configured cloud infrastructure and security settings
  • Migrated databases and application data with zero downtime
  • Set up backup and disaster recovery procedures
  • Configured monitoring and alerting systems
  • Documented migration processes and cloud infrastructure

Outcomes:

  • Successfully migrated servers to cloud with minimal downtime
  • Improved scalability and resource management
  • Reduced maintenance overhead and infrastructure costs
  • Enhanced disaster recovery capabilities

Internal Tools Development

Developed internal systems to improve organizational efficiency

  • Built Boardroom Booking application for managing meeting room reservations
  • Developed HR System for employee management and workflows
  • Created Inventory Management System for tracking organizational assets
  • Integrated payment APIs for processing transactions
  • Designed and implemented REST APIs for system integrations
  • Deployed applications and provided user training

Outcomes:

  • Improved operational efficiency through automated workflows
  • Reduced manual processes and administrative overhead
  • Enhanced data tracking and reporting capabilities
  • Streamlined internal operations across multiple departments

GitHub Workflows and Marketplace Publishing

Developed and published GitHub workflows and marketplace actions

  • Created reusable GitHub Actions workflows for CI/CD pipelines
  • Developed Podcasting API with GitHub Marketplace integration
  • Published workflows to GitHub Marketplace for public use
  • Documented workflow usage and best practices
  • Maintained and updated workflows based on feedback

Outcomes:

  • Published workflows available to GitHub community
  • Improved development workflows through automation
  • Contributed to open-source GitHub ecosystem
  • Streamlined CI/CD processes for multiple projects

Security Improvements in HIS Systems

Applied security best practices and conducted security assessments for healthcare systems

  • Applied OWASP best practices to backend systems and APIs
  • Conducted vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
  • Implemented biometric access management systems
  • Developed ticketing system for HIS security issues
  • Applied security patches and hardening measures
  • Conducted security awareness training for healthcare workers

Outcomes:

  • Improved system security posture and compliance
  • Reduced security vulnerabilities through proactive assessments
  • Enhanced access controls and authentication mechanisms
  • Established security incident response procedures

Hackathons

NRF 2024

Security and innovation in systems • Partners: Safaricom, Microsoft

2024

  • Competed in security-focused challenges
  • Applied practical security practices to healthcare systems
  • Collaborated with industry partners on innovative solutions

Cyberise Hackathon 2024

Cybersecurity and system security • Partners: Safaricom, Microsoft

2024

  • Participated in cybersecurity challenges
  • Explored security innovations for healthcare systems
  • Gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge security practices

ICP Blockchain Hackathon 2025

Blockchain applications and innovations

2025

  • Explored blockchain technology applications
  • Developed innovative solutions using blockchain
  • Collaborated with developers on decentralized systems

CTF Activities

Hack the Box

  • Participated in Capture The Flag challenges
  • Practiced penetration testing and vulnerability exploitation
  • Developed skills in network security and system hardening
  • Completed various security challenges and labs

Skills

Systems Engineering & Infrastructure

Linux/Unix System AdministrationWindows Server AdministrationCisco Meraki Network ManagementDocker & ContainerizationCloud Infrastructure (Azure)Server Migration & DeploymentNetwork Setup & OptimizationVPN ConfigurationAPN-based Connectivity

Health Information Systems

KenyaEMR Deployment & ConfigurationOpenMRS AdministrationTaifaCare & Tibabu SystemsDHIS2 IntegrationEMR Infrastructure RolloutBiometric Access ManagementHIS Ticketing SystemsODK Data CollectionPRISM & National Data Warehouse Reporting

Security

OWASP Best PracticesPenetration TestingVulnerability AssessmentNetwork SecurityEndpoint Security (VMware Carbon Black)Active Directory AdministrationSecurity Incident ResponseDigital ForensicsSecurity Awareness Training

Backend Development

Node.js & ExpressPython & FastAPIREST API DesignAPI IntegrationPayment APIsGitHub Actions & CI/CDGit Workflows

Database Management

SQL (Advanced Querying & Optimization)MySQL AdministrationPostgreSQL AdministrationMariaDB AdministrationPrisma ORMDatabase Design & Schema ArchitectureETL Operations & Data MigrationDatabase Performance TuningBackup & Recovery StrategiesMulti-Server Database Management

Frontend & Mobile

React & Next.jsTypeScriptFlutter (Cross-platform Mobile)React NativeTailwind CSSResponsive Design

AI & LLM Integration

ChatGPT IntegrationClaude AICursor AI AssistantGenerative AI for Content & DesignAI-Powered Development WorkflowsLLM API Integration

DevOps & Tools

Git & Version ControlGitHub WorkflowsDocker & Docker ComposeCI/CD PipelinesInfrastructure as CodeMonitoring & LoggingBackup & Disaster Recovery

IT Support & Administration

ITIL WorkflowsFreshdesk TicketingOffice 365 AdministrationVoIP SystemsRemote SupportUser Training & DocumentationIT Asset Management

Community Work

Promoting Children Growth and Development (ECD)

Supported Early Childhood Development programs through technology and infrastructure

Championing Young Girls Education and ICT Introduction

Championed young girls' education and introduction to ICT systems, fostering innovation with DREAMS programs

Abstract Writing

Contributed to technical and academic abstract writing for conferences and publications

Key Achievements

  • Oversaw EMR infrastructure rollout across 180+ healthcare facilities
  • Successfully migrated on-premise servers to cloud infrastructure
  • Participated in multiple hackathons (NRF 2024, Cyberise 2024, ICP Blockchain 2025)
  • Published GitHub workflows and actions to GitHub Marketplace
  • Developed internal tools (Boardroom Booking, HR System, Inventory Management) improving organizational efficiency
  • Conducted security assessments and implemented OWASP best practices across systems
  • Supported county-level HIS pilots (Nyamira - Tibabu, TaifaCare)
  • Delivered cybersecurity awareness training to 80+ healthcare workers

Tools & Platforms

Cisco Meraki DashboardsGitHub Actions & MarketplaceODK ToolsPRISM & National Data WarehouseFreshdeskVMware Carbon BlackActive DirectoryOffice 365AzureDockerLinux/UnixWindows Server