Job Title: technology director
Company: SHOFCO
Alexander Gachihi is the technology director at SHOFCO.
He leads the organisation’s technology agenda, focusing on building systems that support large-scale social programmes and service delivery.
Before joining SHOFCO, Alexander worked at GiveDirectly, first as a technical programme manager and later as a senior technical programme manager. In these roles, he was responsible for overseeing the delivery of technology-driven initiatives, managing complex programmes and ensuring systems supported operational scale and efficiency.
Alongside this, he founded FinHouse, a microfinance institution offering microloans, reflecting his interest in using technology to expand access to financial services and support small-scale enterprise.
Earlier in his career, Alexander worked as a product support engineer at Viamo, where he supported technology platforms designed to reach users at scale, particularly in emerging markets.
He also spent several years working with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as a software engineer and consultant. During this time, he contributed to the development and enhancement of monitoring and evaluation platforms, including work on systems supporting projects funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. His role involved redesigning reporting structures, configuring performance indicators and improving data systems used across multiple countries.
Alexander began his career through internships and early roles in technology and data, including positions at PwC Kenya and Deloitte East Africa, where he worked on IT systems audits, data analytics and revenue assurance projects. He also spent time at C4DLab at the University of Nairobi, developing web-based solutions and supporting technology initiatives.
Work Experience
2025–Present: technology director, SHOFCO
2022–2024: technical programme manager, GiveDirectly
2023–2024: founder and managing director, FinHouse
2021–2022: product support engineer, Viamo
2020–2021: software engineer/consultant, IITA
2019: software engineer, Assure Solutions
2018: consultant, IITA
2017: intern, IITA
2016: risk assurance associate, PwC Kenya
2015–2016: data analytics intern, Deloitte East Africa
2015: IT intern, PwC Kenya
2014: software developer, C4DLab
Education
BSc in computer science, University of Nairobi
About Company
SHOFCO is a Kenyan-based organisation that delivers community services in urban informal settlements, focusing on areas such as healthcare, education, water and economic empowerment, supported by technology-driven systems for scale and impact.
