Isiolo county, located about 285 kilometers north of Kenya's capital Nairobi, is on the frontlines of climate change impacts and has much at stake in global climate negotiations. As a largely arid area experiencing increasingly extreme weather events, Isiolo's participation in COP29 is crucial for several reasons:

1. Increasing climate vulnerability: Over the past three decades, Isiolo has seen an increase in extreme weather events, with long periods without rain often followed by seasons of intense rainfall and floods. The county's urban center, located on a low-lying floodplain and surrounded by steep gradients, is especially vulnerable to heavy flooding. Participating in COP29 would allow Isiolo to advocate for stronger global action to address these specific climate risks.
2. Economic and infrastructure damage: Climate-related events are causing significant damage to Isiolo's land, agriculture, economy, and infrastructure. During the 2015 flood events alone, property damage was estimated at about £5.3 million. Isiolo needs a voice at COP29 to push for increased climate finance for adaptation and resilience-building in vulnerable regions like itself.
3. Population displacement and urban growth challenges: Between 2009 and 2019, 1,320 households were displaced due to flooding. Meanwhile, Isiolo's urban population grew to about 80,500, putting increased pressure on infrastructure and resources. At COP29, Isiolo can highlight these interconnected challenges of climate displacement and rapid urbanization.
4. Water management complexities: Due to its arid climate, high clay content soil, and limited vegetation, Isiolo faces significant challenges in water management during both dry and wet periods. Poorly maintained stormwater drainage systems exacerbate these issues. COP29 provides an opportunity to seek support for innovative water management solutions.
5. Limited adaptive capacity: Despite economic priorities brought forward by Kenya's devolution, Isiolo faces scarce funding for critical climate-resilient infrastructure. The county needs to be at the table as decisions are made about channeling adaptation support to vulnerable regions.
6. Sustainable economic development: Isiolo is working to develop its economic potential through projects like the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor (LAPPSET). However, climate change threatens to undermine these efforts. By participating in COP29, Isiolo can advocate for climate-resilient economic development strategies that align with its vision to become "a center of Excellence and a Major Economic Hub in Kenya with Resilient and Inclusive Growth through the Responsible Use of its Natural Resources."
7. Innovative adaptation solutions: Isiolo is exploring innovative solutions like Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDs) to address flooding and water management issues. These include plans for a bio-park to revegetate the banks of River Marire, enhancing adaptation to water stress and ensuring water supply for farmlands and livestock. COP29 provides a platform to showcase these initiatives and potentially attract further investment and support.
8. Multi-stakeholder collaboration: Isiolo's experience working with programs like the UK Government's Sustainable Urban Economic Development (SUED) programme demonstrates the value of collaboration between local government, international partners, and communities. This model of partnership could be shared at COP29 as an effective approach to building climate resilience.

By actively participating in COP29, Isiolo can ensure its unique climate vulnerabilities and adaptation needs are heard on the global stage. The county can share its experiences in developing climate-smart Urban Economic Plans (UEPs) and integrating climate resilience into urban planning. This can help steer climate finance, capacity building support, and policy decisions in ways that benefit not only Isiolo but other vulnerable regions facing similar challenges.

As climate change accelerates, Isiolo's participation in COP29 is an opportunity to showcase its proactive approach to climate resilience and sustainable development, while also seeking the necessary support and partnerships to implement its ambitious plans for a climate-resilient future.