The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged all media houses to verify the professional credentials of guests who appear to give nutrition and dietetics advice after receiving a formal advisory from the Kenya Nutritionists and Dietitians Institute (KNDI).
In a media advisory released on Friday February 6th, MCK says KNDI has condemned and disowned remarks recently aired in one local radio station under the byline of a purported “Nutrition Expert” who described ugali as “the most useless food that is out there.” KNDI described the broadcast as coming from an unregistered individual and warned that such appearances risk spreading inaccurate or unprofessional health information.
“Media enterprises are urged to act with due diligence and consult KNDI on expertise qualifications to ensure the public receives accurate, professional health information,” the advisory reads. It adds that investigations into the specific case have already commenced under the provisions of Cap 253B.
Effective immediately, the advisory directs media organisations to engage only persons who are duly registered with KNDI when covering nutrition and dietetics topics.
The MCK warned that engaging non-registered persons may contravene Sections 33 and 36(b) of the Nutritionists and Dietitians Act and could expose both the purported expert and the media enterprise to legal action.
KNDI, which is mandated by Parliament to set standards and ensure quality in nutrition and dietetics, told MCK it has observed several instances of media outlets booking “experts” without consulting the Institute about their professional qualifications.
The Media Council encouraged newsrooms to use official KNDI channels to verify the status of potential guests and to prioritize verified professionals when reporting on health and nutrition matters.
