Norah Magero

Norah Magero – Mechanical Engineer, Renewable Energy Expert & Founder of Drop Access

Norah Magero is a Kenyan mechanical engineer and social innovator whose work bridges renewable energy, healthcare, and technology. She is the co-founder and CEO of Drop Access, a social enterprise that develops affordable energy solutions for off-grid and underserved communities across Africa.

Born in Kisumu in 1988, Norah earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Nairobi. Her career began in traditional engineering but quickly evolved when she identified a critical challenge in rural healthcare: the difficulty of keeping vaccines and medicines cold in areas without reliable electricity.

Determined to solve this, Norah and her team developed VacciBox—a portable, solar-powered refrigeration unit designed to transport and safely store vaccines and temperature-sensitive drugs in remote areas. Compact and versatile, the device can be mounted on a bicycle, motorbike, or boat and features solar panels, battery backup, and smart monitoring for real-time temperature tracking.

VacciBox has already transformed vaccine distribution in rural Kenya, enabling healthcare workers to maintain cold-chain standards and deliver vital medical supplies where they are needed most. Its success earned Norah international recognition, including the prestigious Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation—making her the first Kenyan and only the second woman to ever receive this honor.

Beyond technology, Norah is known for her commitment to inclusive, locally driven innovation. She prioritizes designs that are practical, low-cost, and locally manufacturable, ensuring long-term sustainability. Her leadership exemplifies a new generation of African entrepreneurs—female, mission-driven, and focused on building solutions that directly improve lives.

Norah Magero’s work continues to inspire engineers and changemakers across the continent, proving that smart design and purpose-driven innovation can deliver powerful social impact.