Amos Kipeen addresses the Palo Alto City Council

On April 21, 2025 during a Palo Alto City Council meeting, Mayor Ed Lauing signed the official agreement, with Amos Kipeen signing on behalf of the city of Narok.

After a long time wishing for and advocating for a Friendship City relationship between Palo Alto and a city in Africa, it finally came true,” 
​said Neighbors Abroad board member Barb Mackraz, who has worked in the Narok region for many years through her nonprofit, Oliveseed Foundation, in collaboration with Amos, who directs their Kenya programs on the ground.

Located west of Nairobi, Narok is a gateway to some of Kenya’s most celebrated natural treasures, including the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the annual Great Migration. Like Palo Alto, Narok has a population of around 65,000. It is the commercial and governmental center of Narok County and home to a primarily Maasai community.

A larger delegation from Narok, including County Governor Patrick Ntutu, visited Palo Alto in late May 2025. Their weeklong itinerary featured visits to Stanford University, the Google Visitor Center, and a walking tour of downtown Palo Alto led by Councilmember Pat Burt. One standout moment was a behind-the-scenes tour of Palo Alto’s GreenWaste recycling facility, arranged by the City’s Zero Waste team. With Narok’s leadership eager to expand their own waste management strategies, the group was intrigued and inspired by the facility’s advanced technology and operational efficiency. Neighbors Abroad President Sarah Burgess capped off the visit by hosting a celebratory al fresco dinner, complete with heartfelt remarks—and a lively group dance that no one will soon forget.

Narok Delegation: from left to right

Amos Kipeen and Mayor Ed Lauing

Amos Kipeen and Mayor Ed Lauing