BY WANJA MWANIKI
Demand for sustainable energy solutions is growing rapidly, fueled by technological advancements. One of the latest innovations is a solar-powered refrigerator developed by Kenyan engineer Norah Magero.
The device, named Vaccibox, has been mounted on an electric bike, allowing it to maintain a consistent cooling temperature using its battery. The electric bike also has its own battery, which can be charged via solar power or traditional electricity.
“Essentially, we are reducing carbon emissions from deliveries while also ensuring the integrity and potency of medicines during transport,” says Magero.
The box’s mounting is an advanced development from the initial innovation, which only had the fridge powered by solar energy.
This innovation is particularly beneficial for remote areas, where deliveries can be made without the risk of spoilage, thanks to Vaccibox’s reliable cooling system.
The idea for Vaccibox was born out of the challenge of providing cooling solutions in rural regions with no access to electricity. The concept became more urgent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Magero faced difficulties accessing vaccines for her newborn.
“I had a baby at the time, and I realized that rural areas were struggling with vaccine storage and distribution,” Magero explains. “This experience, combined with my background in helping farmers store milk for longer, inspired me to develop a solution.”
Magero, a graduate in mechanical engineering from the University of Nairobi, turned these challenges into an innovation. Vaccibox is a portable, solar-powered fridge designed primarily to transport and store vaccines.
“The key features I focused on were portability, allowing it to be transported by car or motorbike, and real-time cold-chain monitoring and stock management,” Magero says. “Today, we’re also adding a vaccine scheduling feature to enhance its functionality.”
When the first prototype of the Vaccibox was rolled out, it received positive feedback.
Through her company, Drop Access Limited—which she registered separately from her NGO—Magero now manufactures and supplies fridges to health institutions. The Vaccibox is used by both human and animal health organizations to store and transport vaccines, as well as for storing other medical products, including blood, oxytocin, and various fluids.
“I opted for local manufacturing after several costly attempts to ship the fridges internationally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries were hoarding these critical products,” Magero explains.
Magero’s research also revealed a key issue: most existing companies rely on large, power-hungry machines. “Africa has become a dumping ground for outdated equipment that no longer serves its purpose in the countries of manufacture, largely due to their high-power consumption,” she adds.
This, she believes, is mainly due to the lack of proper regulations on imports, which allows inefficient technology to flood the market.
Magero notes that some of the lessons in her journey is the importance of mindset and community involvement. She believes that with the right attitude and determination, Kenyans can shift from being consumers of foreign-made products to active manufacturers in their own right.
“Kenya has a wealth of talent and innovation, and with the right mindset, we can begin manufacturing locally instead of relying solely on imports,” Magero says. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that involving the community you’re targeting is crucial during the manufacturing process. Understanding their needs and preferences helps ensure that your product will succeed in the market. Without that, it risks being rejected.”
Magero is also passionate about the role of women in technology and innovation. She acknowledges that there are still relatively few women in this field and emphasizes the need to inspire and encourage more women to enter the space. “There’s a lot of untapped potential, and we need to bring more women into technology and manufacturing,” she asserts. “Their unique perspectives can drive even greater innovation.”
Looking ahead, Magero has ambitious plans for scaling her innovation. “My ultimate goal is to expand production to other African countries. We are currently working towards obtaining certification from the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a critical step in making that vision a reality,” she notes.
Magero’s dedication to expanding access to reliable, solar-powered medical solutions in Africa reflects her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to improving healthcare systems across the continent. With her sights set on international recognition, she is paving the way for a future where local manufacturing is the backbone of Africa’s medical infrastructure.
