Kenya Nutritionists and Dietitians Institute (KNDI) has accredited programmes offered at the Technical University of Kenya’s Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics (DHND). Through a rigorous inspection exercise at the university, the KNDI CEO, Dr. David Omondi Okeyo, said TU-K meets all training and research requirements to offer diploma and degree programmes.
"KNDI has granted another four-year accreditation to the TU-K to offer diploma and degree programmes in human nutrition and dietetics," said Dr. Okeyo.
The inspection team, which included Mr. Martin Kiome, the accreditation secretary, and Prof. Gordon Nguka, a board member and accreditation chairman, accompanied Dr. Okeyo.
Some of the areas audited by the institute include department laboratories, the qualification and composition of teaching staff and technical teams, infrastructure, research undertakings, and the general learning environment.
The lead staff from KNDI highlighted areas for improvement, such as learning facilities and infrastructure, as well as benchmarking with other human nutrition and dietetics institutions in the country. The team also noted that KNDI is willing to partner with the university in training, research, and developing joint fund proposals.
The VC Prof. Benedict Mutua, who was accompanied by DVC, Research and Technology Development, Prof. Alfred Orina, appreciated KNDI for ensuring the university keeps abreast with training standards in the target areas.
“We are happy KNDI has given us green light to carry on with the programmes we are offering at the department,” Prof. Mutua noted.
The VC further assured the inspectors that the university will improve on the highlighted areas to produce competent health professionals.
Other members of the university management and staff from departments present during the accreditation award ceremony include: Ag. Executive Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Prof. George Amolo, Director, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Naomi Waiganjo, Academic Team Leader, Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr. Alice Ojwang, Dr. Janet Malla, Dr. Mary Mugambi, Lisbeth Karani, Catherine Gutu, Mildred Odhiambo, Peris Cheruiyot, Hesbon Simba, Donvan Mogwasi, Rozy Awour, and Stei Wangari.