Office of Intergovernmental Relations
600 Fourth Avenue, 5th Floor
P.O. Box 94746
Seattle, WA 98124-4746
(206) 684-8055 |
Seattle International Sister City:
Mombasa, Kenya
(Sister City established in 1981)
Population: 375,500
Religion: Traditional, Christian
Language: English, Swahili, Other African
Industry: Petroleum products, Food processing, Brewing, Cement, Tourism
Exports: Coffee, Tea, Cotton, Animal hides
Climate: Warm and soothing, tropical
Mombasa is Kenya's major seaport, an island city and the capital of Coast
Province. Set in a deep, natural harbor on the Indian Ocean, Mombasa's Kilindini
port facility is the best equipped on the East African coast. It was a strategic
trading center for many centuries and has been ruled by Arabs, Persians,
Portuguese, Turks, and finally the British. Kenya achieved independence in 1963.
The Seattle-Mombasa association, established in 1981, represents a diverse
group that seeks to promote cultural and educational exchanges, trade and
tourism between the two cities. Activities have included sponsorship of African
art exhibits, hosting Crossroads Africa health professionals, donating an
emergency aid car to Mombasa, initiating student pen-pal exchanges, sending
books and school supplies, and sending magazine subscriptions to the Mombasa
library.
The association also hosted the mayor of Mombasa, Kenyan ambassadors, and
other visiting dignitaries. In 1988 Mayor Royer led a Seattle delegation to
Mombasa. The savannah at the Woodland Park Zoo is dedicated to the Seattle-Mombasa
sister city relationship.
These activities have led to cherished friendships, enriching experiences,
knowledge, and appreciation between the citizens of Seattle and Mombasa.
Sister City Association Contact Info:
Millie Russell, President
c/o Office of Minority Affairs
University of Washington
392 Schmitz Hall, 355845
Seattle, Washington 98195
w (206) 685-3637
mrussell@u.washington.edu
Content contact: Kristine Kertson
Page last updated: September 21, 2005
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