The County Government of Isiolo, in collaboration with Kenya Meteorological Department, NDMA, Amref Health Africa-Kenya, Action Aid Kenya, WFP, Mid-P, and IMPACT Kenya, has launched a transformative four-day community engagement forum in Oldonyiro.
This initiative focuses on tackling climate change, promoting ecosystem conservation, and fostering sustainable development.
By addressing key issues such as access to clean water, energy, and nutritious food, the workshop aims to improve community well-being while strengthening resilience to environmental threats.
The forum placed a strong emphasis on the value of indigenous knowledge in predicting and adapting to climatic changes.
Isiolo’s communities—Borana, Samburu, and Turkana—have relied on traditional methods for generations to forecast weather and conserve ecosystems.
Indicators such as the behavior of the planets, plants, insects, and animals have not only guided environmental predictions but also contributed to the preservation of natural resources like swamps and rivers.
Elders shared these time-tested skills, underscoring their relevance in today’s fight against climate change.
Partners like Amref Health Africa-Kenya and Action Aid brought their expertise to the forum, presenting a “One Health” approach that integrates climate adaptation with sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem services.
Isiolo Amref Representative Hellen Larabi highlighted the importance of combining live data and statistical models with traditional knowledge to create practical tools for early warnings and disaster preparedness.
This synergy between indigenous wisdom and modern science aims to address the adverse effects of climate change on the region’s communities.
The workshop also explored strategies to preserve and expand indigenous knowledge systems while integrating them with formal expertise.
Participants discussed training programs, the regeneration of traditional skills, and innovative solutions to mitigate climate impacts.
The forum highlighted the need to strengthen traditional governance systems and social networks to foster collaboration, promote equitable resource distribution, and reinforce resilience against shocks.
By facilitating such engagements, the County Government of Isiolo demonstrates its commitment to inclusive and sustainable climate action.
Through partnerships and the integration of local knowledge, Isiolo is charting a path toward a resilient and sustainable future for its people.
