The Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI) has suspended five universities and nine colleges for failing to comply with professional training standards for nutrition and dietetics programs.
In a notice issued on Thursday, December 5, KNDI revealed that the institutions were not authorized to offer these courses under Section 6(d) of Cap 253B.
“The public, parents, and students are advised accordingly about the risk,” the notice read in part.
The suspension affects degree, diploma, and certificate programs in nutrition and dietetics.
Among the universities affected are: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Karatina University,
Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) – Main Campus, Lukenya University,
Colleges flagged for offering unapproved certificate and diploma courses include:
Jodan College of Technology, JFC Munene College of Health Sciences,
Kenya School for Integrated Medicine
Kenya Institute of Development Studies (KIDS), Laisamis Technical and Vocational College, Meru National Polytechnic
Northeastern National Polytechnic (NENAP), Sang’alo National Polytechnic, Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences (Kisumu, Mombasa, and Kitui campuses)
Additionally, Meru University of Science and Technology’s degree programs and Edinburgh College’s certificate and diploma courses have been closed.
Jordan Hospital Medical College and the Kenya Institute of Social Works and Development, which both offer certificate and diploma courses, were also suspended.
KNDI has, however, approved 73 universities, colleges, and TVETs to offer nutrition and dietetics courses. Among the recognized universities are:
University of Nairobi (UoN), Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
Kisii University, Chuka University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), Egerton University, Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK), Mount Kenya University (MKU)
Approved Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and specialized colleges include:
Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Kabete, Kisumu, Kitale, Kisii, and Kiambu National Polytechnics, Bumbe Technical Training Institute
Kenya Institute of Professional Studies (KIPS), Nairobi Women’s Hospital College, Kenya School of Medical Science and Technology
KNDI has urged students and parents to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrolling in nutrition and dietetics programs.
“The public should exercise caution to avoid enrolling in unapproved courses that may risk their careers,” the institute warned.
The crackdown is part of KNDI’s efforts to ensure compliance with training standards and safeguard the integrity of nutrition and dietetics education in Kenya.
