NAIROBI, Kenya — The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a warning to media houses over the growing engagement of unregistered individuals purporting to be nutrition and dietetics experts.
In a media advisory dated Friday, February 6, 2026, the council said it had received a formal complaint from the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI) regarding the use of unqualified commentators on nutrition-related issues.
The advisory follows a recent broadcast on Spice FM (Standard Group) in which a guest identified as a “nutrition expert” reportedly made misleading claims on food and nutrition.
According to KNDI, the individual, identified as Issa Habib, is not registered or licensed to practice as a nutritionist or dietician in Kenya.
MCK said the incident raised serious concerns about public misinformation and professional standards in media programming.
“Media enterprises are urged to act with due diligence and consult KNDI on expertise qualifications to ensure the public receives accurate, professional health information,” the council said.
The council noted that investigations into the specific case have already commenced under the provisions of the Cap 253B, which governs professional conduct in the nutrition and dietetics sector.
KNDI, which is mandated by law to regulate nutritionists and dieticians, warned that several media houses have increasingly relied on unverified “experts” to comment on health and nutrition matters without confirming their credentials.
“This practice violates professional standards and exposes the public to misinformation,” the institute said in its advisory to MCK.
The Media Council reminded broadcasters that, with immediate effect, they should only engage individuals who are duly registered and licensed by KNDI when discussing nutrition and dietetics issues.
It cautioned that engaging unregistered persons violates Sections 33 and 36(b) of the Nutritionists and Dieticians Act and may attract legal sanctions not only against the individual but also against the media outlet involved.
“Such engagements may lead to unnecessary litigation against both the purported expert and the media enterprise,” MCK warned.
The council encouraged media houses to verify the professional status of all guests through official regulatory channels before allowing them to comment on specialised health matters.
“This is essential to protect the public interest and uphold responsible journalism,” the advisory stated.
The move comes amid growing scrutiny of health misinformation across broadcast and digital platforms, where unverified claims on diet, supplements, and alternative therapies have gained traction.
MCK reaffirmed its commitment to promoting press freedom while insisting that freedom must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.
The council urged editors and producers to balance audience engagement with professional accuracy, particularly on issues affecting public health and safety.
“Responsible journalism requires accuracy, accountability, and respect for professional regulatory frameworks,” the council said.
