Bakari John

A result-oriented Telecom Engineer known as a consistent team player with skilled technical abilities. Experienced with 10+ years in the telecommunication industry, solid experience and knowledge in all technical areas of RAN (Radio Access Network), RF (Radio Frequency) wireless network, Optimization and maintenance, and wireless switching services & Operations in GSM 2G / UMTS WCDMA 3G / LTE 4G /5G on multiple technologies such as Ericsson, Nokia, zte and Huawei.

SRAN/LTE/datacom ENGINEER, Metro teleworks (2021- TO DATE)

• Seconded to Nokia Kenya for capacity and quality optimization for Safaricom Kenya in LTE 1800 F2/L2100 Project done over (700 + LTE SRAN/SRAT Sites) to improve data and user experience.
• Site swaps and rehoming to cloud RAN
• Coordinating, testing, maintaining, and optimizing BSS and access systems.
• SSV/Cluster Tuning/Pre-Post Launch optimization activities of LTE for successful completion of projects.
• Providing support for New SRAN17A SCF configuration and data fill creation for new sites for SRAN/SRAT along with Technical Training/Workshops. First commercial network launch for SRAN17A for Nokia along with HW configuration depending on the requirement.
• SCF preparation support for SRAN/SRAT 17A for new site rollout based on NPO recommended parameters/TXM configuration.
• New solution trials as requested by Safaricom like CA, VoLTE, and Dual Band-DC for network capability enhancement feasibility checks.
• Upcoming new site planning and optimization activities (LTE/3G/2G) related to new site rollout, Network modernization, Planning, and finalizing SSV/Cluster optimization guidelines.
• Discussion with the Safaricom team for any technical issue related to Deployment Strategy, Mobility Layering, and License

• helped in the smooth and seamless delivery of the overall project for LTE 1800/2100 and highlighted key issues/concerns in the weekly/monthly Senior Management meetings.
•  Gained experience in managing Business operations and radio network operations, large turnkey rollouts and network optimization, vendor development, inventory control, logistics, warehousing, and documentation.
•  Manpower management, performance evaluation, and competence development of the operations team.

  Project Delivery Lead- Afro engineering solutions (2019 -2021)

• Provided systems operational support, administration, installation, and maintenance on enterprise-class IP and Definity PBX solutions.
• Implementation of Datacom solutions, Cloud Computing solutions, Cloud Data Centers Solutions, Storage solutions, security, and biometric solutions, and POS solutions planning and implementation.
• Oversaw CORE/RAN/RF/TX delivery and optimization (Installation, commissioning, and maintenance)
• Boosted ITIL-based service and customer satisfaction metrics by nearly 40% as a result of implementing procedures for IT incident monitoring.
• Delivered 15% in operational budget savings by consolidating suppliers within the region, negotiating more favorable contracts, and re-evaluating budgets.
• Orchestrated improvement and adaption of the global standard version of all IT support processes.
• Tasks included developing project plans using Microsoft Project, planning installation and training schedules, and obtaining quotes for ancillary telephony equipment.
• Managed telephony vendor support including obtaining maintenance quotes, and contracts and obtaining new installation and upgrade quotes for vendor support for RNO.

Radio Access Network Engineer Safaricom Kenya (2014 – 2019)

• Implemented and oversaw XML scripting, parameter discrepancies monitoring, troubleshooting, and technical support. 
• Preparing work plans and budgets to cut costs.
• designed and provided technical support in the installation, implementation, Commissioning, Integration, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting of network systems relating to communication technology, BSS, and route to the core network.
• Lead role in configuration of Nokia and Huawei infrastructure such as 2G/3G/LTE Flexi BTS, MR, WCDMA/NodeB, and access networks. 
• Responsible for IP offload projects, configurations, and capacity expansion 
• Resolution and follow-up of issues in the customer's network via configuration activities like GBoIP, ETPE/A implementation, BCSU addition, PCU card addition, PCU pooling, and Software/CD Installation upgradation for BSC and BSC License loading. 

Business support system (BSS) Engineer, SAFARICOM LIMITED (2012 – 2014) WESTERN REGION (KISUMU AND ELDORET)

• Tracked network performance through the use of various network management tools all operating under Linux and Microsoft platforms. 
• Analyzed network performance reports generated from OMC-R.
• First-level maintenance both passive and active for all telecom sites assigned (managed over 200 sites)
• Managed contractors
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NOC and BSS Engineer, HUAWEI KENYA (2010 – 2011) 

• Supporting Customer Experience Improvement Project for Safaricom.
• 2G Projects Support: Supported Safaricom Kenya Ltd Swap (200+ sites) from NSN to Huawei where I was involved in the following:
• Pre-swap sites survey, reports generation, and recommendation on the requirements before the actual swap
• Resolving after swap issues (key among them KPIs degradation)
• Performing BTS acceptance tests/ quality assurance for BTS installations before handover to the customer after cutover

Sub-contractor (Safaricom/orange/Telkom/YU/Airtel Kenya) ADRIAN TELKOM Co. and Engpro Kenya (2009 – 2010 ) 

• Bachelor of science (Telecommunication and Information Technology) KENYATTA UNIVERSITY (2005 – 2009) 
• High School Certification (KCSE) MUMBUNI HIGH SCHOOL (2000 – 2004)