Nutritionist and Dietician's License Requirements in Kenya, Licencing Body & Contacts
Executive Summary
- All nutritionists and dieticians practicing in Kenya must be registered with the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI)
- Registration governed by the Nutritionists and Dieticians Act, 2007
- Requirements include degree/diploma in nutrition/dietetics, passing KNDI exams, and internship
- Registration fees: KES 5,000 for nutritionists and dieticians
- Annual practice license renewal required
- Foreign-trained professionals must meet equivalency standards
- KNDI established in 2007 to regulate the profession
- KNDI located at KIPPRA Building, 7th Floor, Bishop Road, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 722 840140, +254 734 840140
- Online services available through KNDI website
The Regulatory Framework
The Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute was established under the Nutritionists and Dieticians Act, 2007 to regulate nutrition and dietetics practice in Kenya. The Act provides for the establishment, registration, and licensing of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure professional standards and protect public health.
No person shall practice as a nutritionist or dietician in Kenya unless registered and licensed by KNDI.
About KNDI
The Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute is the regulatory body for nutrition and dietetics professionals in Kenya. KNDI ensures practitioners maintain high standards of competence, ethics, and professional conduct.
Functions of the Institute
- Register and license nutritionists and dieticians
- Maintain the national register of practitioners
- Conduct or prescribe qualifying examinations
- Accredit training institutions and programs
- Issue annual practice licenses
- Set and enforce professional standards and code of ethics
- Promote continuing professional development
- Investigate complaints and conduct disciplinary proceedings
- Advise government on nutrition and dietetics matters
Registration Categories
KNDI registers two main categories:
1. Nutritionists
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Nutrition, Food Science and Nutrition, or related field from recognized institution
- Diploma in Human Nutrition (for diploma holders)
Requirements:
- Approved degree/diploma in nutrition
- Successful completion of KNDI examinations
- Completion of internship (typically 6-12 months)
- Payment of registration fees
Registration Fee: KES 5,000
Annual License Fee: KES 3,000
2. Dieticians
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Dietetics or Food, Nutrition and Dietetics from recognized institution
- Specialized training in clinical dietetics
Requirements:
- Approved degree in dietetics
- Successful completion of KNDI examinations
- Completion of clinical internship
- Payment of registration fees
Registration Fee: KES 5,000
Annual License Fee: KES 3,500
Educational Requirements
Aspiring nutritionists and dieticians must complete approved training from KNDI-accredited institutions. Major training institutions include:
- Kenyatta University
- University of Nairobi
- Moi University
- Mount Kenya University
- Kenya Medical Training College
- Other KNDI-approved institutions
Programs must meet KNDI curriculum standards covering:
- Human nutrition and metabolism
- Clinical nutrition and dietetics
- Community and public health nutrition
- Food science and technology
- Nutrition assessment and counseling
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Professional ethics and legislation
Licensing Examinations and Internship
Candidates must pass KNDI licensing examinations assessing theoretical knowledge and practical competency. Upon passing examinations, candidates complete supervised internship in approved facilities including hospitals, community health programs, and nutrition centers.
Foreign-Trained Practitioners
Foreign-trained nutritionists and dieticians can apply for registration subject to:
- Verification of qualifications with training institution
- Demonstration of equivalency to Kenyan standards
- Passing KNDI assessment examinations
- Orientation on Kenyan nutrition policies and programs
- Payment of assessment fees
Annual License Renewal
Registered practitioners must renew licenses annually.
Renewal Requirements:
- Current registration certificate
- Proof of CPD compliance (minimum 15 hours annually)
- Updated professional information
- Payment of annual license fees
- Clear disciplinary record
Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute Contact Information
Physical Address:
Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI)
KIPPRA Building, 7th Floor
Bishop Road
Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address:
P.O. Box 34598-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Contact Details:
Phone: +254 722 840140, +254 734 840140
Email: info@kndi.or.ke
Website: www.kndi.or.ke
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
