Are you passionate about shaping the future of digital connectivity through intelligent network planning and cutting-edge technology? Safaricom PLC, Kenya’s foremost integrated communications company, is looking for an experienced and innovative Engineer – IP Planning to join our Information Technology Division. As part of the IP Planning team, you will contribute to the development and deployment of high-performance IP network infrastructure that supports millions of subscribers and enterprise clients across the region.
With a rich legacy in driving digital transformation and economic empowerment, Safaricom continues to lead the way in technological innovation across East Africa. We are proud to be a homegrown company with a global mindset, striving to keep people connected to opportunities, information, and each other. Join our team and help shape the digital backbone of tomorrow.
About Safaricom PLC
Founded in 1997 as a subsidiary of Telkom Kenya and later partially acquired by Vodafone Group PLC, Safaricom has grown into the region’s most influential telecommunications company. With over 42 million customers and a total economic contribution valued at KES 362 Billion ($3.2 billion), we play a key role in driving innovation, employment, and financial inclusion across Kenya. Our flagship product M-PESA revolutionized mobile money and continues to set the standard for fintech solutions globally.
Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Safaricom reported revenues nearing KES 298 Billion ($2.5 billion) as of March 2022. With a workforce that reflects diversity, skill, and ambition, we are continuously investing in talent development and cutting-edge technologies to deliver on our promise to transform lives.
About the Team
The IP Planning team forms a critical part of Safaricom’s infrastructure development strategy. We are tasked with the responsibility of designing, planning, and rolling out intelligent, scalable, and secure IP networks that form the foundation of Safaricom’s core, access, and enterprise services. Working collaboratively across departments and with vendor partners, our team ensures seamless service delivery and innovation in every network rollout and system upgrade.
Position: Engineer – IP Planning
Location: Safaricom Care Centre, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi
Job Identification Number: 774
Job Category: Information Technology
Posting Date: 04 July 2025
Application Deadline: 10 July 2025, 10:00 AM
Degree Level Required: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Description
The Engineer – IP Planning will report to the Principal Engineer: IP Planning. The primary role will be to oversee the end-to-end planning, design, rollout, and automation of Safaricom’s IP-Core, IPRAN, FTTH, and Enterprise Converged Networks. The successful candidate will also support key strategic initiatives such as SRv6 and IPv6 deployments, automation of network processes, and intelligent, data-driven capacity planning. This position demands strong technical knowledge in network infrastructure, system automation, and vendor engagement.
Detailed Job Responsibilities
- End-to-End SRv6 Network Rollout (IP-CORE & IPRAN):
- Drive implementation of Segment Routing over IPv6 across IP Core and IPRAN networks.
- Collaborate with vendor partners and internal stakeholders for seamless integration of SRv6 solutions.
- IP-Core Network Design and Rollout:
- Lead in the architecture and implementation of high-performance IP-Core infrastructure.
- Perform simulations and modeling to ensure optimal performance under varied load conditions.
- IPRAN and Enterprise Converged Network Design and Rollout:
- Design scalable, high-availability IPRAN architectures to support enterprise and mobile services.
- Facilitate rollout plans and coordinate with access and transmission teams.
- IP Network and Systems Process Automation:
- Develop and implement automation frameworks for configuration, monitoring, and optimization tasks.
- Support the deployment of DevOps tools and methodologies to enhance operational efficiency.
- Data-Driven Capacity Planning and Intelligent Network Design:
- Use analytics and historical data to forecast growth and preempt capacity constraints.
- Integrate AI/ML models where feasible to support proactive planning and fault management.
- FTTH Network Design and Rollout:
- Plan and oversee deployment of Fiber-To-The-Home solutions in targeted areas.
- Ensure designs meet customer requirements for speed, reliability, and scalability.
- IPV4/IPV6 Planning and Rollout:
- Design and implement strategies for seamless transition and dual-stack configurations.
- Support growth and diversification of services through optimized IP addressing schemes.
- Performance Tools Installation and Maintenance:
- Deploy monitoring and diagnostic tools to ensure optimal performance and fault isolation.
- Continuously evaluate tool effectiveness and recommend upgrades or alternatives.
- Vendor Engagements and Evaluation:
- Lead technical assessments of vendors and solutions for IP network components.
- Collaborate in RFP processes, ensuring proposed solutions meet technical standards.
- Support for Proof of Concept (PoC) and Emerging Technologies:
- Participate in pilots involving Software-Defined Networking (SDN), AI, ML, and network automation.
- Provide insights into integration paths and scalability potential.
- Collaboration with IP Support Teams and External Partners:
- Work closely with internal technical support teams to align on operational strategies.
- Serve as a liaison between planning and support functions for effective knowledge transfer.
- Project Delivery Management:
- Monitor implementation timelines and coordinate project resources.
- Ensure all deliverables meet specifications, compliance standards, and deadlines.
- Data Center Network Planning and Deployment:
- Support infrastructure planning for core data centers and regional nodes.
- Ensure redundancy, load balancing, and failover mechanisms are well-integrated.
- Network Acceptance Testing and Compliance:
- Oversee testing and validation of new deployments against agreed checklists.
- Document and report acceptance metrics and any gaps for remediation.
- Support for Network RFP (NWRFP) Processes:
- Collaborate with procurement and legal teams to develop technical components of RFPs.
- Analyze vendor responses and prepare evaluation summaries for decision-making.
Candidate Profile
To succeed in this role, the ideal candidate must bring a blend of strong technical aptitude, a collaborative mindset, and a keen eye for innovation. Candidates with practical experience in IP-Core network planning and optimization, SRv6, and network automation will be well positioned for success. Knowledge of DevOps tools, cloud systems, and scripting languages will be a distinct advantage.
Application Information
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications through our official careers portal before 10 July 2025 at 10:00 AM. We encourage early submissions to ensure timely review. This is a high-impact role for those eager to make a tangible difference in Kenya’s digital infrastructure space.
