Kakuma – November 19, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
At least 48 healthcare workers from Turkana Central and West sub-counties have been sensitized on inventory management, temperature monitoring, and real-time oversight of the cold chain in their facilities. This forms part of the county government’s ongoing efforts to enhance vaccination services and reduce defaulter rates.
The exercise targeted health workers overseeing immunization services, including Medical Officers of Health, nurses, facility in-charges, and ICT officers from the Department of Health and Sanitation.
The sensitization follows the installation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in five health facilities in Turkana Central, seven in Turkana West, and six in Lokichoggio sub-counties. These devices monitor vaccine refrigerator temperatures and send alerts when fridge doors remain open for more than five minutes, helping safeguard vaccine potency.
Participants were also briefed on the integration of USSD codes that will send text reminders to Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and caregivers when clients are due for immunization visits.
According to Paul Ewolan, Turkana West Sub-County Public Health Nurse, the system is expected to help maintain vaccine potency and ensure timely alerts, ultimately contributing to lower defaulter rates.
John Etir, Assistant Project Manager at Drop Access, noted that facility in-charges will supply data needed to build the USSD notification database, adding that only clients who consent will receive alerts.
“Healthcare workers were also trained on inventory management using the Drop Access management system.” Etir explained adding that the system stands out for its ability to generate real-time data focused specifically on vaccine safety, storage, and usage, and not on dispensation.
The exercise was facilitated through a collaboration between the county government and Drop Access Limited. Beginning December 2, 2025, the partnership will distribute 20 Vacciboxes—portable, solar-powered, IoT-enabled medical-grade refrigerators—to 20 health facilities in Turkana Central and West.
Discussions are ongoing on extending these services to other sub-counties.
The Vaccibox, capable of maintaining safe temperatures for up to 36 hours once charged, will enable outreach teams to deliver vaccines to hard-to-reach areas without compromising potency—an essential addition in Turkana’s vast and remote terrain.
Eliud Eyangan, ICT Officer at the Department of Health and Sanitation, said the joint team will monitor the IoT tools and dashboard systems over the next 12 months and address any issues. “As ICT team, we will be responsible for continued management and monitoring of the devices, thereafter, ensuring uninterrupted services across all targeted facilities,” he said.
