HONORARY OBE AWARDED TO DR PHILIP KIVUVA MUINDE

29 Mar 2006 01:15 PM

Her Majesty The Queen today presented Dr Philip Muinde with an Honorary OBE, in recognition of his services to race and community relations, and his voluntary work.

Dr Muinde is Chair of Grampian Racial Equality Council and has served the Council in different capacities for sixteen years. He has worked closely with local public bodies and other community groups to improve relations and establish equality of opportunity.

Dr Muinde has been a highly respected member of a number of Scottish Executive advisory groups including the Race Equality Advisory Forum (REAF) and is also the founder and Director of the Doulos Trust.

Through his work Dr Muinde has endeavoured to facilitate relations between African and Scottish people in ways that consistently foster mutual understanding, co-operation and respect.

Notes for Editors:

1. A Kenyan citizen resident in Aberdeen since 1975, Dr Muinde is married to Jane and has two teenage daughters.

2. The REAF, a Scottish Executive Advisory Group, was tasked with devising a race equality strategy. The group's Report and Recommendations were submitted to the Scottish Executive in 2001.

3. The Doulos Trust is a charity that encourages, supports and counsels leaders in all fields. The Trust is active in promoting international trade, investment and corporate governance. In this work, Dr Muinde has had a close association with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Annual Forum. In recognition of these efforts especially in Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration in July 2003.

4. British Honours are warded on merit for exceptional achievement or service to British interests. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire as founded in 1917 to recognise service by civilians in the First Word War. The Order now honours civilians and service personnel for public service and other distinguished service.

5. The honour OBE is that of an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Honorary awards are conferred by The Queen, on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, on those foreign nationals who have made an important contribution to British interests. They are made through the year and are quite distinct from the New Year and Birthday Honours list.

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