New vaccine unit to enhance Turkana healthcare services

Sarah Akiru, the Deputy Director of Policy Planning, M&E and Partnership Coordination at the Department of Health and Sanitation, said the technology would transform how vaccines are stored and transported across the county.
“The Vaccibox is designed to strengthen Turkana’s health system by providing a reliable and efficient way to store vaccines and medical supplies in areas with limited electricity,” she said.

Vaccibox introduced to donor partners and development partners in Lodwar town./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Turkana County has introduced the Vaccibox, a solar-powered, IoT-enabled cold storage unit, in a major step towards improving healthcare delivery in off-grid and remote areas.

The innovation was unveiled at a stakeholder forum in Lodwar, bringing together health officials, development partners, and local leaders.

Sarah Akiru, the Deputy Director of Policy Planning, M&E and Partnership Coordination at the Department of Health and Sanitation, said the technology would transform how vaccines are stored and transported across the county.

“The Vaccibox is designed to strengthen Turkana’s health system by providing a reliable and efficient way to store vaccines and medical supplies in areas with limited electricity,” she said.

Akiru explained that the solar-powered unit can retain power for up to three days, ensuring uninterrupted immunisation services. She noted that it would reduce wastage, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, while improving health outcomes and building climate resilience.

Norah Magero, CEO and Co-Founder of Drop Access, the company behind the innovation, emphasised that the initiative will not only benefit Turkana but could also serve as a model for other arid and semi-arid regions.

“The Vaccibox initiative has the potential to offer lessons for other regions across Kenya and beyond. With units already deployed in key locations, Turkana is setting an example in strengthening healthcare systems and service delivery,” she said.

The project also has implications beyond human healthcare. Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Erenius Nakadio, said the cold storage technology will support livestock vaccination drives, expanding coverage in remote pastoralist areas.

“This innovative approach will enhance animal vaccination in remote areas and ensure greater livestock health,” he noted.

The stakeholder forum underscored the importance of collaboration in delivering health innovations to underserved communities. With the Vaccibox now in use, Turkana hopes to secure steady vaccine access, improve service delivery, and bridge healthcare gaps in one of Kenya’s most marginalized regions.

The launch of the solar-powered Vaccibox in Turkana marks a practical and timely response to persistent healthcare challenges in off-grid areas. By ensuring reliable vaccine storage for up to three days without electricity, the technology directly tackles wastage and service gaps that have long undermined immunisation efforts in remote regions. Its dual benefit for both human and livestock vaccination further widens its impact in a county where pastoralist livelihoods depend heavily on healthy herds. Beyond Turkana, the initiative offers a replicable model for other arid counties, showing how innovation and partnerships can drive equity in healthcare delivery.