The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has responded to the uproar over amplified comments on Kenya’s popular dish, ugali, from an unregistered individual who claimed to be a nutritionist.
In a statement on February 6, the council said the concerns were raised by the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI) about the use of unqualified individuals in the media after a speaker claimed “ugali is the most useless food out there” on air.
“The institute stated that the content was authored and presented by an individual identified as Issa Habib, who was introduced to the audience as a nutrition expert but is not registered or licensed by KNDI.” Read the statement.
While on air, on Spice Fm, Issa said he runs a company called Habib Fitness, and one of the projects under the company focuses on training fitness trainers.
He added that the institute goes a step further by training trainers who can also teach and mentor other trainers, helping to grow skills and knowledge within the fitness industry.
“My job is to make sure that I produce the best trainers who go out there and guide people on how to be,” said Habib.
KNDI Disowns Ugali Claims Aired on Spice FM
KNDI, an institution responsible for registering and licensing qualified nutrition and dietetics professionals, said it does not support whatsoever or recognize information aired on Spice FM by Issa Habib, a “nutritional expert” who claimed that “ugali is the most useless food.”
The institute explained that the remarks were made by Habib, who was introduced to listeners as a nutrition expert but is not registered or licensed by KNDI, and confirmed that investigations into the matter have already begun under the Nutritionists and Dieticians Act.
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KNDI warned that allowing unqualified people to give nutrition advice on public platforms can confuse and mislead the public and may harm efforts to provide accurate health information.
MCK warns The media to Use Only Registered Experts
KNDI also raised concern that many media houses continue to invite individuals described as “experts” without first checking their qualifications.
The institute reminded media organizations that it is legally responsible for regulating the practice of nutrition and dietetics in Kenya and that its job is to ensure that only trained and qualified people provide advice on food and nutrition.
“With immediate effect, media enterprises have been advised to ensure that only duly registered nutritionists and dieticians, as recognised by KNDI, are engaged to provide commentary or advice on nutrition-related matters,” read part of the statement.
The institute warned that using unregistered people breaks the law and could lead to legal action against both the individual involved and the media house.
KNDI checks and approves professionals and helps protect the public from misleading or incorrect nutrition information provided by unqualified people.
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Media organizations have been further urged to verify guests through official KNDI channels to ensure the public receives accurate and professional nutrition information.
MCK has acknowledged the advisory and reminded journalists and media organisations to exercise caution when sharing information, especially on health issues.
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