MCK Statement on Media Verification of Nutrition and Dietetics Experts

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has received a formal advisory from the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI) regarding the engagement of unregistered individuals purporting to be experts in nutrition and dietetics.

As a specific point of concern, KNDI has formally condemned and disowned the information recently aired on Spice FM (Standard Group) titled "Ugali is the most useless food that is out there", which was authored by a purported "Nutrition Expert" named Issa Habib.

Media enterprises are urged to act with due diligence and consult KNDI on expertise qualifications to ensure the public receives accurate, professional health information, as investigations into this specific case have already commenced under the provisions of Cap 253B.

The Institute, which is mandated by Parliament to set standards and ensure quality on all matters of nutrition and dietetics, has noted that several media enterprises are engaging "experts" to speak to the public without consulting KNDI regarding professional qualifications of such persons.

Effective immediately, media enterprises are hereby advised to engage duly registered persons as registered by KNDI on matters nutrition and dietetics.

Please be advised that engagements with non-registered persons violate Sections 33 and 36(b) of the Nutritionists and Dieticians Act and may lead to unnecessary litigation against both the purported expert and the media enterprise.

Media enterprises are encouraged to use official channels to verify the status of any potential guests to ensure compliance with these professional standards.