Palo Alto signs Friendship City agreement with Narok, Kenya to foster collaboration

The Palo Alto City Council convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a highlight being the signing of a Friendship City agreement with Narok, Kenya. This initiative marks a significant step in fostering international relations and cultural exchange.

The meeting commenced with Mayor Laowing introducing the Friendship City agreement, celebrating it as Palo Alto's first such partnership. Sarah Burgess, president of Neighbors Abroad, took the floor to explain the significance of the agreement and to introduce Barb Macraaz, a long-time member of Neighbors Abroad and co-founder of the Olive Seed Foundation. Macraaz has been instrumental in establishing connections with Narok, having worked in the region since 2017.

Macraaz expressed her excitement about the partnership, highlighting the collaborative efforts between Palo Alto and Narok, particularly in areas such as education, women's empowerment, and sustainability. She introduced Amos Kapin, a representative from Narok, who shared his enthusiasm for the new relationship and conveyed greetings from the governor of Narok County, Patrick Ndutu.

Kapin emphasized the cultural richness and potential of Narok, describing it as a rapidly growing city with a vibrant Maasai culture and significant wildlife. He noted that the partnership reflects shared values and a commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. Kapin also announced that Governor Ndutu would visit California in late May, providing an opportunity for further engagement between the two communities.

Following the speeches, the official signing of the Friendship City agreement took place, with council members present to witness the historic moment. The event concluded with council member Lythat Hames commending the efforts of Neighbors Abroad and expressing personal connections to Kenya, reinforcing the importance of this new relationship.

Overall, the meeting underscored Palo Alto's commitment to global partnerships and cultural exchange, setting the stage for future collaboration with Narok, Kenya.