It’s not every day you meet someone who can be debugging code at midday and dropping killer mixes at the end of the same day, but Edith does it with ease, style, and a whole lot of passion.

In this edition of Faces of Safaricom, we catch up with Edith to talk about her journey through tech, turntables, and what it’s like living a double life in the best way possible.

What was your journey to Safaricom like?
It wasn’t the most conventional route. I studied Geospatial Engineering at JKUAT, but I realized fieldwork wasn’t for me. I’m “too much of a girl” for sun and dust. During university, I started teaching myself how to code and later joined ALX Africa and the Power Learn Project (PLP), both of which are tech training programs, to study software development more formally.

After completing the PLP program, I came across a developer group post about Safaricom hiring Graduate Management Trainees (GMT). I applied, prayed hard and got in. I joined in October 2022 as a GMT under FinTech, rotating through five different teams before graduating in January 2025. I officially became a systems engineer in February 2025.

What does a typical day as an M-PESA Engineer look like?

No two days are the same. Sometimes I’m at the data center physically inspecting our hardware. Other times, I’m helping teams roll out new features or maintaining existing ones.

My work includes managing capacity and infrastructure, configuring core services, participating in project planning and supporting other departments’ integration needs.

It’s a mix of both technical execution and strategic planning where coding meets project management.

What do people often misunderstand about your role?

When I say I’m an M-PESA Engineer, people ask, “What is that?” Unlike saying you’re a backend or frontend dev, M-PESA engineering is broad and is a blend of several tech disciplines.

We handle the backend and frontend work, database administration, as well as physical infrastructure (like checking cables at data centers).

Let’s switch gears. Tell us about DJ Cheche and what sparked your interest in music?

Yes, that’s my DJ name—DJ Cheche. Cheche is from my two names Chepngetich and Cheruiyot. I didn’t think too hard about it. I’ve always been into music and it keeps me going. I’m one of those people who code better when listening to music. It puts me in the zone. Plus, I have a lot of DJ friends, and whenever they’d be mixing, I’d be right there asking questions. Eventually, they started showing me the ropes.

When did your love for music begin?
Since I was a child. My sister still reminds me of how I’d make my cousins sing and then tell them what they were doing wrong! And even today, I dig deep into songs. I’ll look up instruments, keys, origins. Music is not just a vibe, it’s research for me.

So how did you go from curiosity to actually spinning at a gig?

Funny story—I was at a birthday dinner with friends, and one of them introduced someone as “the favorite DJ in Kenya.” She quickly corrected him, saying, “She’s the best DJ in Africa.” And out of nowhere, my inner music nerd kicked in. I was like, “Wait, how? Black Coffee is the best DJ in Africa; he just won a Grammy!” That sparked a bit of a playful challenge. We ended up at the decks, I tried a set, and the club owner loved it. He told me I had good taste and could pull a crowd, and just like that, I got my first gig.

Where was your first official gig and what kind of music did you play back then?

At Mawimbi Seafood Restaurant. It’s a really cozy place with a small, chill crowd which is exactly what I like. I got to play for a few nights, and it went really well. It was, however, hard to balance because I was still juggling work at the time, but I had a DJ friend who helped with the setup. From that gig, I started getting referrals.

I’d mainly play soulful Afro House and Afro Tech which is music with rhythm and soul, easy to vibe to, but mellow enough for conversation.

Has your music style evolved since then?

Definitely. I started as a House purist, but as more gigs came in, I had to be flexible. I learned that being too rigid can limit your growth. Now I’m an open format DJ. I ask who I’m playing for, what the vibe is, and adapt accordingly. It’s about finding a balance between introducing new sounds and entertaining people.

Do you still need help with DJ setups?
Absolutely. I’ve never been into the technical or heavy-lifting part. Even today, I’ll always ask for a sound engineer to assist. I can direct, but I can’t carry speakers—plus, I’m short.

How did you start DJing at Safaricom events like Hackfest?
It started with friends and colleagues hearing about my gigs, then inviting me to team events. Hackfest was a huge milestone. Nick from the events team reached out after a referral. It was one of the most fulfilling gigs I’ve done. It was professional, smooth, and well-supported by the events team. What really warmed my heart was seeing colleagues connect with my music outside the office. I even got a certificate!

Do you now DJ for internal company events?
Yes! These days, I focus on private events rather than commercial ones. I’ve played at a few internal events and even gotten a wedding gig from a referral within Safaricom.

Do your two worlds engineering and music feed into each other?
Perfectly. Music helps me focus while coding. And after a long workday, DJing resets my creative outlet. I enjoy having that balance. I wouldn’t want to do either full-time alone.

So outside the DJ booth and office, who is Edith?
I’m an enigma, truly. I’m a passionate, high-achieving cat-mom (to Edd and Ida), a balcony gardener—growing everything from kale and spinach to rosemary and garlic, an environmentalist, a mentor, and an activist. I volunteer with AnitaB.org as Kenya’s chapter lead and serve as tech sector lead for the US–Kenya Alumni Association. I also love cooking. Garlic butter chicken in cream sauce is my current fave and I’m a serial hobbyist.

You mentioned mentorship. Tell us more.
Mentorship is a big part of my life. After being a Mandela Washington Fellow in 2023, I dived into alumni activities particularly for women in tech. I organize events and conferences to educate others, especially on tech topics like AI. I even received a national mentorship award for my work this year.

You seem incredibly driven. What about your education path? Was it always smooth?
Not really. I originally wanted to be a lawyer, but my dad insisted on engineering. I studied geospatial engineering, but I hated it. I took a break in 2018 without telling my parents. They found out when the school called. We made a deal that I’d go back and finish and thereafter could pursue anything I wanted.

So how exactly did you transition from Geospatial Engineering to Software Development?
It was during my third year that I realized I wasn’t passionate about core geospatial work. I started learning how to code on my own, building small projects, and got deeply involved in communities like the Google Developer Student Clubs (GDSC) and Women Techmakers. I also pursued online courses and eventually joined the Andela Learning Community and later the Google Africa Developer Scholarship, where I specialized in Android Development.

What do your family think about you being a DJ?
They’ve stopped questioning me. I do what I want. I didn’t even tell them when I started out. They found out in 2023 through other people.

Something most people don’t know about you?
I’m actually socially awkward. I’m an ambivert, it depends on who you ask. I get bored fast and need stimulation, which is why I have so many hobbies and projects.

Are you dating?
Heh, in this Nairobi? The last relationship nearly sent me to Jesus. I can’t!

Wait, what?

Yes! I experienced gaslighting that was nothing close to anything I’ve experienced before. I’m off dating apps for now and I might just consider finding a retired chief somewhere and be the fifth wife or something. Haha! Just kidding.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
“Unstoppable” by Sia. Because I really believe I am.

Debugging or beat dropping?
Beat dropping, hands down. Debugging is not easy.

Coffee or energy drink during late-night gigs/coding?
Tea. I’m very Kalenjin. Tea all the way!

Favorite artist in your playlist right now?
Draaaake! (yes, I said it like that!) and Black Coffee. They even did a song together. How dreamy?

One gadget you can’t live without?
Headphones. I can’t live without music. Plus, they’re my escape when I’m in socially awkward situations.

Advice for balancing a full-time job and creative side hustle?
Remember, it’s never that serious. Make time for things that bring you joy. Treat your creative work like therapy, not just business. When you enjoy something, success follows.

What’s next for Edith, personally and professionally?
Professionally, I’m working on launching FinTech 2.2 at Safaricom. We’re expanding from 3,500 to 10,000 transactions per second on M-PESA. That’s massive.
Personally, I want to build a soft-landing program for recent grads in tech. Think graduate trainee meets mentorship space. And for DJing, I’d love to merge it with travel. Think peaceful retreats, deep conversations, good vibes, and soulful music.

Final thoughts?
Engineering and DJing may seem worlds apart, but they both require rhythm. After all, whether it’s systems or sound, it’s all about connection and that’s what I live for.