The Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (the professional regulatory authority for Nutritionists and Dieticians training and practice in Kenya) has issued an accreditation for the BSc. Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics (FOND) program to Egerton University, following a two-day assessment exercise. The accreditation is reviewed after every four years.
In an essential meeting held at Egerton University, the KNDI embarked on a thorough assessment of the FOND programme led by a distinguished panel of experts.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage presided over the inception meeting session in his boardroom, emphasizing the importance of prayer in all endeavors before handing over the floor to KNDI representatives. He welcomed the experts, urged them to maintain objectivity throughout the assessment process. The responsibility of training individuals to become nutritionists or dieticians, or both, lies exclusively with institutions or professionals that have obtained full recognition from the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI). Recognition encompasses the licensing of both institutions and professionals involved in the training process.
Accompanying Prof. Kibwage were Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration Planning and Development Prof. Richard Mulwa, Chair Human Nutrition Department Dr. Stellamaris Muthoka, Dean of Health Sciences Dr. Samson Obure, and Dr. Maurice Udoto, Deputy Registrar for Academic Affairs. Dr. Udoto prayed setting a solemn tone for the proceedings.
The Vice Chancellor underscored the significance of prayer in guiding the assessment, setting the stage for a comprehensive evaluation of Egerton University's adherence to Kenya nutrition and dietetics standards. The Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism about the evaluation process, acknowledging the importance of continuous improvement in academic programs.
The KNDI team was spearheaded by Dr. David Omondi Okeyo, the CEO of the Kenya Nutrition and Dieticians Institute, accompanied by Prof. Gordon Nguka , a Board Member, and a lecturer from Masinde Muliro School of Public Health, along with the Registrar of KNDI.
KNDI CEO Dr Okeyo, took the Vice Chancellor through the core areas of KNDI's mandate. He elaborated on the inspection tool that would be employed to evaluate Egerton University, emphasizing the 11 key parameters/standards within the tool that would determine the institution's readiness to continue offering nutrition and dietetics courses. He emphasized that even if an institution achieves an overall score of 80% or higher, any single parameter falling below this threshold would necessitate addressing the identified issues. A notable revelation during the meeting was the recent legislative changes affecting the operations of KNDI. While the board remains mandated to conduct accreditation for training institutions, modifications in the law have refined the criteria and procedures for these assessments.
Highlighting the historical context, the CEO mentioned that KNDI last visited Egerton University in 2013, a decade ago. During that evaluation, the University scored 73%, meeting the standards required for offering nutrition and dietetics courses. The findings of this assessment were documented in a comprehensive report within the regulator's records.
The joint effort between Egerton University and the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute reflects a commitment to maintaining high standards in nutrition and dietetics education. As the assessment unfolded, the Egerton University community awaited the results, whose insights will guide further enhancements to their nutrition and dietetics programs.
“This accreditation means that our training in nutrition and dietetics is of high quality and meets the standards. The team from KNDI highlighted areas that need to be improved on and this is a good process to enhance the quality of our graduates,” said the Chair of the Department, Dr Muthoka shortly after the accreditation certificate was issued in the two days exercise.
The outcome of this accreditation suggests excellence not only for the university but also for the aspiring nutritionists and dietitians who will benefit from a curriculum aligned with the highest standards in the field.
The Kenya Nutritionists & Dieticians Institute (KNDI) was established as regulator of the profession of nutrition and dietetics in Kenya by an Act of Parliament No. 18, 2007 (Cap 253B) to: provide for training, registration, and licensing of nutritionists and dieticians; provide for the registration of the standards and practice of the profession; ensure their effective participation in matters relating to nutrition, dietetics and for related purposes.
The training standards for institutions offering education in nutrition and dietetics consist of eleven key standard criteria:
- Standards pertaining to educators and faculty members.
- Standards concerning students enrolled in the programs.
- Standards governing the governance, leadership, and management structures of the training institutions.
- Standards addressing the physical infrastructure and clinical resources available at the training institutions.
- Standards outlining the materials and equipment utilized in the delivery of courses.
- Standards detailing the curriculum taught at the institution.
- Standards related to clinical practice.
- Quality management systems implemented by the institutions.
- Standards related to program monitoring and evaluation.
- Standards overseeing the examination processes.
- Standards governing the research policy of the training institutions.
Upon application for certification, each institution receives the comprehensive training standard document encompassing these eleven standards.
Egerton University has complied as a recognized training institution possessing full licensing approval from the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI). Egerton University graduates will continue to be recognized in practice and eligible to enroll in post-graduate professional programs upon completion of their studies.
Drafted by; Kurian Musa
Communications Officer
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
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