I-UMEME H0-B1V Graduates, distinguished guests, UPHF, WISEe group, French Embassy, and Strathmore University staff pose for a group photo
Themed “The Sky is the Limit!” to signify “High Ideals, High Gains,” the I-UMEME Electrical Safety Program marked a historic milestone on Monday, February 17, 2025, with its inaugural graduation ceremony. Held at Strathmore University’s Microsoft Auditorium, the event celebrated 68 H0-B1V I-UMEME Electrical Safety Programme graduates trained between 2023 and 2025.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Prof. Nicolas Lardenois (UPHF), French Embassy representative Alexandre Regina, and Eng. Wilfred Arende from Total Energies. Also present was Dr.-Ing. Lukas Höber, CEO of Sequestra Group, and Dr.-Ing. Baudouin Dillmann, I-UMEME Project lead, who also served as MC. Additionally, @iLabAfrica IoT Lab staff members, industry leaders, trainers, and esteemed dignitaries gathered to celebrate their dedication and achievements.
Background of the Electrical Safety Program
Launched at Strathmore University in 2023 by Academic Research Fellow Dr. Baudouin Dillmann in partnership with the French Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) and Université Polytechnique Hauts de France (UPHF).
It centered on the European NF-C -18510 standards of electrical safety, which cover electrical setup operations, hazard risk prevention, and recommended methods for performing electrical tasks to promote electrical safety. The H0-B1V certification ensures that personnel who work near electrical installations are trained in safety.
Dhanushi Savla, an Electrical and Electronics engineering student and I-UMEME graduate, was drawn to join the I-UMEME Electrical safety program to learn safety procedures and become a better engineer, inspired by the importance of electrical safety. She praised I-UMEME’s dedicated instructors provided excellent guidance. “I am grateful that the knowledge I have gained allows me to identify electrical hazards, handle machinery safely, and apply these skills both at home and in the industry.” She said, “I believe that power is not just knowledge but potential power.”
Dr. Baudouin Dillmann gave a background of his engineering journey at the university, centering on the power of knowledge transmission.“If you think about it, the power of transmission is immense. Without it, an individual could only throw a few projectiles with their two hands. But with shared knowledge, thousands of projectiles could be launched at once. This experience has demonstrated the importance of passing on knowledge, not just in games but in culture and learning as a whole.
Dr. Dillmann invited Eng. Wilfred Arende’s speech focused on industry expectations and the critical role of electrical safety skills in Kenya’s workforce. He stated that safety is paramount in any project, surpassing time and quality considerations. “Effective project management requires a broad perspective, focusing on risk prevention and accident avoidance. Safety is a collective duty,” he said, emphasizing that understanding static electricity impact, proper clothing, grounding, and zone ratings is crucial.
Alexandre Regina, A representative of the French Embassy, stressed partnerships for youth empowerment, job placements, and innovation opportunities. He highlighted the benefits of education exchange programs between Kenya and France, encouraging graduates to explore international career development prospects through Campus France Kenya. ‘ The I-UMEME project has helped in addressing different issues, including training in electricity, training in safety, development of higher education cooperation between French and Kenyan universities.’
One of the most inspiring moments of the event was when Strathmore University Computer Science student Maxwell Opondo showcased his innovation under the start-up name Zerobionic, which featured a robotic arm designed to make tech gestures based on sign language. Maxwell found his inspiration to develop a prosthetic robotic arm through the challenges faced by individuals with hearing disabilities, particularly seclusion, career stigma, and difficulties navigating daily life, especially in the STEM field. He discovered a critical gap: the lack of a STEM-specific sign language vocabulary for the deaf. Determined to bridge this gap, his innovation aims to be a solution to this challenge.
“It is possible to achieve dreams; you must keep working on them.”He informed graduates, explaining that his innovation recently won an award in the annual Africa Tech Summit event held in Nairobi. His presentation demonstrated how electrical safety training contributes to real-world applications and technological advancements.
The major highlight of the day was the certificate awarding ceremony, by the WISEe team, who were contracted to train students in the electrical safety program at the H0-B1V level. WISEe trainers, Sarah Kwach, Angelica Waweru, and Patricia Kiarie reflected on the journey of the I-UMEME program, sharing milestones, industry collaborations, and words of encouragement for the graduates.
Angelica Waweru from Berutech Systems Company narrated how the WISEe group put in time and dedication to the project. She noted that she was impressed that a high number of participants attended the training and did written and oral exams, implying that the electrical safety course has great potential. “Industry is right for you. Ask for the supportive hand,” she said.
As the I-UMEME Electrical Safety Program continues to grow, plans are in place to expand training opportunities, enhance industry collaborations, and introduce advanced certification levels, such as B2V, in electrical safety. The graduation ceremony reflected past successes and envisioned a brighter, safer future in the electrical industry.
Cake cutting by Prof. Nicolas Lardenois (UPHF) ADESFA I-UMEME project partner, Sarah Kwach (WISEe), Stella Kabura I-UMEME project coordinator, Dr. Baudouin Dillmann I-UMEME Project lead
Written by Stella Kabura