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

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 206-324-9074
mrussell@u.washington.edu