Yukabeth Kidenda
CEO at Teach for Kenya
"Clifford is a very focused young professional... eager to learn and willing to go the extra mile to ensure high-quality outcomes."
About
The Journey of a Hybrid Innovator.
From Kenya’s power grids to Berlin’s energy transition — blending engineering precision with systemic thinking.
IEEE Best Paper 2025PowerFactory MV/HV Simulation500+ Time-Series ScenariosVDE-AR-N 4110 / §14a EnWG
IEEE Best Paper 2025PowerFactory MV/HV Simulation500+ Time-Series ScenariosVDE-AR-N 4110 / §14a EnWG
Engaged with
IEEE research communities · CWIEME Future Engineers Programme · Grid-focused industry partners · Utility-grade planning workflows
Who I Am: The System Builder
I'm Clifford Ondieki, a Power Systems Engineer who believes true innovation springs from a deep understanding of connections whether in high-voltage grids or human teams.
My path from analyzing grid stability in Kenya to optimizing energy systems in Berlin has been defined by one goal: bridging the gap between simulation and reality. Every challenge from commissioning hardware to modeling renewable integration shapes my approach to grid resilience and technical architecture.
I operate at the intersection of peer-reviewed research and utility-grade grid planning, translating evidence into operational decisions.
Technical Foundation
M.Sc. Engineering Management (Research Track, 2026)
Focus: Power Systems & Automation | Arden University, Berlin (2026)
B.Sc. Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Major: Power Systems | JKUAT (Anabin H+ Recognized)
5-Year Engineering Curriculum (Diplom Equiv)
From Kitale to Europe – validating models in the field. Where cliffs become stairs, each step carved with quiet strength. 🐐
The Spark: Defining Moments
The Radio That Changed Everything
Kitale, Kenya - Age 12
It started with a broken radio. Disassembling it wasn't just play; it was my first lesson in system topology. Understanding how each component contributes to the whole is a principle that now guides my work in commissioning and SCADA systems.
Grid Stability & The "Perfect" Model
JKUAT, Kenya - 2015
My bachelor's project on Voltage Stability Analysis (PowerFactory) taught me a critical lesson: models are perfect, but reality is messy. Mitigating voltage collapse in a weak grid required not just calculation, but understanding the operational constraints of the network.
The Berlin Energy Transition
Nairobi to Berlin - 2025
Moving to Berlin was a strategic decision to join the heart of the Energiewende. I bring a unique perspective: the resourcefulness of Kenyan engineering combined with the precision of German standards, focused on the integration of Renewables and EV infrastructure.
Overcoming & Development
Finding the Balance: Systemic Intelligence
One of my biggest challenges was balancing academic rigor with field operations. This led me to develop "Smart Laziness" - the engineering art of deep analysis to find the single, strategic change that solves ten problems. It's about optimization over brute force.
Cultural Navigation: The Competitive Advantage
Settling in Berlin brought the challenge of adapting my problem solving style. I've learned that diversity is a technical advantage and my heritage emphasizes resilience and adaptation, qualities essential for stabilizing modern power grids.
My Guiding Stars
"Understanding is more important than memorization"
Technical Mentors
Engineers who showed me that true mastery lies in understanding the "why" behind every Grid Code and VDE regulation, not just following the manual.
Community Leaders
Leaders who taught me that sustainable infrastructure happens when you empower local teams to maintain their own systems.
Skills Forged Through Experience
A hybrid skill set combining technical precision with operational strategy.
Grid & Systems Architecture
From 11kV power lines to complex data pipelines by mastering system topology.
Intercultural Engineering
Bridging German standards (VDE) with adaptable problem-solving from emerging markets.
Operational Strategy
Aligning technical capability (Simulation) with deployment reality (Commissioning).
Grid Analytics & Data
Using SCADA data and NSGA-II to predict behaviors and optimize performance.
Commissioning & Testing
Experience in validating systems in the field to ensure adoption and success.
Technical Communication
Translating complex engineering concepts into clear insights for stakeholders.
Beyond the Calculations.
Engineering is the system; Empathy is the filter. Discover the philosophical foundations of my work.
Explore PhilosophyProfessional Endorsements
Valerie O.
Customer Success Manager
"Clifford embodies leadership with his hands-on approach to execute and deliver on set objectives... I strongly recommend him."
Abdul Idris
Key Account Manager - Contractor Consulting (Mentor)
"Clifford impressed me with his motivation, openness, and genuine commitment to integrating into the German job market. He consistently sought feedback on how to improve, actively implemented it, and showed a strong drive to grow both professionally and personally. His enthusiasm and proactive mindset made working with him a real pleasure."
Looking Ahead: Grid Transformation
I aim to apply my hybrid skills in simulation and operations to the challenges of the German grid. My goal is to create systems that are resilient, efficient, and future-proof.
Long-term, I will continue to mentor the next generation of engineers, advance STEM education in Africa, and break barriers – always driven by purpose-oriented problem-solving.