AWS ELB SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT · NAIROBI, KE

Benard Otom
Owino.

Cloud Support Engineer II (Networking) at Amazon Web Services — building, securing and troubleshooting the infrastructure that keeps enterprises connected.

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$ whoami --summary

6+ years designing, securing and supporting enterprise IT infrastructure and cloud environments. Deep expertise in AWS networking & security, enterprise routing/switching, virtualization and cybersecurity operations.

Connect on LinkedIn ↗ Download CV ↓
Benard Otom Owino
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01 · SUMMARY

Enterprise networks, cloud-native.

Currently a Cloud Support Engineer at AWS, carrying SME designation for Elastic Load Balancing. Strong background across AWS networking & security, enterprise routing and switching, virtualization, firewalls and cybersecurity operations — with a track record of resolving high-severity, customer-impacting incidents in global, high-availability environments.

Outside of AWS, runs Gurutech Networking Training — a channel and learning platform founded in 2018 teaching subnetting, switching and routing fundamentals through real enterprise case studies, from campus networks to banking systems, using Cisco Packet Tracer and GNS3.

EXPERIENCE6+ yrs
CURRENT ROLECSE II, AWS
SME STATUSELB
CERTIFICATIONS14
BASED INNairobi, KE
02 · THE PATH

traceroute career.path

Every hop along the way — from IT support technician to AWS networking SME.

hophost / roleduration
01
cse2.aws.networking.cloud
Cloud Support Engineer II (Networking)
Amazon Web Services · Nairobi, Kenya
  • Owns complex, high-severity escalations across VPC, Direct Connect, Transit Gateway, Route 53, VPN, ELB, Auto Scaling
  • Technical escalation POC; trains, interviews and mentors engineers
  • Authors knowledge base articles and delivers internal advanced networking training
07/2026 — now
02
cse1.aws.networking.cloud
Cloud Support Engineer I (Networking)
Amazon Web Services · Nairobi, Kenya
  • Achieved Subject Matter Expert status for Elastic Load Balancer services
  • Advanced support across ALB, NLB, GWLB, CLB, VPC, Transit Gateway, WAF, IAM, Security Groups, Global Accelerator
  • Deep-dive RCA for high-severity, customer-impacting incidents
03/24 — 06/26
03
sysadmin.cytonn.local
Network and Systems Administrator
Cytonn Investments · Nairobi, Kenya
  • Managed VMware ESXi hosts and VMs via vCenter; administered Fortinet firewalls
  • Maintained enterprise infrastructure — Cisco routers/switches, Ubiquiti/Aruba WLCs, 3CX UC
  • Led cybersecurity awareness training and phishing simulations
10/22 — 01/24
04
helpdesk.icta.gok
Network and Infrastructure Engineer
ICT Authority of Kenya · Nairobi, Kenya
  • L1/L2 support and ticket escalation; deployed the National Free Public Wi-Fi Project
  • Maintained LAN/WAN/WLAN infrastructure and enforced vendor SLAs
11/21 — 10/22
05
it-support.polytechnic.ac.ke
IT Support Technician
The Kisumu National Polytechnic · Nairobi, Kenya
  • Set up and maintained computer labs; managed TP-Link routers and Cisco switches
05/21 — 11/21
06
*.gurutechnetworks.training
Network Instructor (Volunteer)
Gurutech Networking Training · YouTube, Online
  • Teaches subnetting, VLANs, STP, EtherChannel, OSPF, BGP, HSRP, NAT and Inter-VLAN routing
  • Hands-on labs on VPNs, MPLS, WAN and Cisco ASA firewall configuration
05/21 — now
07
intern.nhif.go.ke
ICT Intern
National Hospital Insurance Fund · Nairobi, Kenya
  • Maintained IT hardware/software assets; structured cabling and network installs
05/19 — 08/19
03 · STACK

Tools of the trade

Cloud Platforms

AWSVPCTransit Gateway Direct ConnectRoute 53ELB / ALB / NLB AzureOracle Cloud

Networking

TCP/IPVLANsOSPF BGPMPLSVPNsHSRP

Security

FirewallsIAMWAF NACLsSecurity GroupsFortinet

Virtualization

VMware ESXivCentervSphere

Systems Admin

Windows ServerLinuxActive DirectorymacOS

Monitoring

CloudWatchPRTGTeleOpsVeeam
04 · CERTIFICATIONS

Verified & credentialed

AWS
Solutions Architect Associate
Amazon Web Services
AWS
Advanced Networking Specialty
Amazon Web Services
AWS
Cloud Practitioner & AI Practitioner
Amazon Web Services
CC
CCNA, Security & CyberOps
Cisco
FN
NSE 1–4 Network Security
Fortinet
HW
HCIA Datacom & Security
Huawei
OR
Oracle Foundations Associate
Oracle
AZ
Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft
CS
Cloud & Network Security Analyst
Cyber Shujaa Program
ES
Managed Cloud Security Specialist
ESET
CC
Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge
Cloud Security Alliance
P2
Prince2 Agile Project Management
Learnnovate Technologies
05 · EDUCATION

Foundation

BSc Information Technology, Kisii University
Second Class Honours, Upper Division
2016 — 2020
KCSE, Ndigwa Secondary School
Grade B+
2012 — 2015
06 · PROJECTS & TRAINING

Built & taught

YouTube · Est. 2018

Gurutech Networking Training

Video series on subnetting, switching, routing and enterprise network design — built from real case scenarios in Cisco Packet Tracer and GNS3, for beginners through advanced engineers.

Watch on YouTube ↗
Learning Center

Gurutech Academy

Structured study material and configuration guides — networking fundamentals, switching and routing technologies, network security, VoIP/IP telephony and WLAN, paired with video walkthroughs.

Visit the academy ↗
Case Studies

Enterprise Network Projects

Secure Company Network, Secure & Advanced Campus Area Networks, a Banking Network System and a Secure Healthcare/Hospital Network — full design, implementation and verification walkthroughs.

View projects ↗
Helping Learners

Networking & Systems Help

Hands-on support for Packet Tracer/GNS3 assignments, network design consulting, and systems, security and web development tasks — for students and teams alike.

Get in touch ↗