Kenya's media defies nutrition body's bid to control expert interviews

A dispute has erupted between the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI) and media organisations over attempts to regulate expert interviews. The row began after a radio discussion about ugali sparked complaints from the professional body. KNDI then demanded that broadcasters seek approval before featuring nutrition specialists on air.

The move has faced strong opposition from news outlets, including The Standard Group, which dismissed the request as an overreach.

The conflict started when a Spice FM programme included remarks about ugali that KNDI deemed derogatory. In response, the institute's CEO wrote to the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), insisting that media houses obtain clearance before inviting nutritionists or dieticians for interviews.

KNDI's usual role covers only the registration and licensing of professionals in the field. It has no legal authority to vet media content or approve guests for broadcasts. Despite this, the institute pushed ahead with its demand, prompting backlash from journalists.

The Standard Group publicly rejected the proposal, calling it an 'absurd checklist'. The media company confirmed it would continue assessing guests using its own editorial standards. No further action or public statement from KNDI has been recorded since the criticism emerged.

Reports indicate that the institute has neither withdrawn its request nor taken legal steps to enforce it. Media organisations remain free to host nutrition experts without seeking prior approval from KNDI.

The Standard Group and other outlets will keep interviewing a broad range of voices without following KNDI's guidelines. The institute's attempt to influence media content has so far failed to gain traction. No response from KNDI has been documented since the controversy began.