A game-changing, Kenyan solar-powered invention is taking the world by storm as it transforms vaccine delivery in the most remote of communities. The VacciBox, created by social enterprise Drop Access, has just been unveiled as a finalist in one of the world’s most prestigious awards for innovation and sustainability, the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize.
The portable, solar-powered medical refrigerator ensures the safe storage and transport of vaccines, medicines, and blood supplies within in areas without electricity at a continuous and safe temperature between +2°C to +8°C. Completely powered by renewable energy, the VacciBox is equipped with a smart battery backup that sustains 24-hour cooling without interruption for continuous service in off-grid communities.
In Kenya’s countryside, the results have been nothing short of transformative. Health facilities that began using VacciBox recorded up to threefold increases in vaccination rates due to reduced vaccine spoilage and improved access to far-flung populations. So far, Drop Access’s innovation has made safe storage and delivery of over 2.5 million vaccines, medicines, and blood bags possible, benefiting over one million Kenyans directly.
“In the face of climate change, VacciBox is promising to help reach the most underserved populations, where access to healthcare is often a critical challenge,” said Norah Magero, co-founder and CEO of Drop Access.
This nomination reaffirms Kenya’s growing reputation as a global leader in sustainable innovation. Kenya has had a long history with the Zayed Sustainability Prize: previous winners have included Bboxx, for expanding access to clean energy, and M-KOPA, a company that revolutionized off-grid solar financing and connected millions of homes to renewable power.
Beyond reliable cold storage, VacciBox integrates IoT technology that monitors in real-time temperature, battery status, and performance. Automated alerts are provided instantly to health workers when the storage conditions are out of their set parameters, while data is securely transmitted for remote monitoring. This guarantees transparency, safety, and efficiency along the complete cold chain of medical supplies.
Another important advantage of the system is its modular design, which makes it versatile. VacciBox units can be mounted on motorbikes, bicycles, or boats, enabling last-mile delivery to communities cut off from modern infrastructure.
By manufacturing the units locally and offering a “cooling as a service” model, Drop Access not only advances healthcare resilience but also promotes economic empowerment and sustainable development in local communities.
Founded with a vision to harness clean energy for social impact, Drop Access is now expanding its reach to Tanzania, Zambia, and Côte d’Ivoire, positioning VacciBox as a replicable African solution for equitable healthcare and renewable energy access across the Global South.
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