Kenya's nutrition body sparks outrage with media interview restrictions

A demand by the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI) for media outlets to seek approval before interviewing nutrition experts has sparked controversy. The directive, sent to the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), was met with strong opposition from journalists and the public, who see it as an attack on press freedom and an attempt to control public debate.

The Standard Group has openly rejected the requirement, calling it unreasonable and a threat to free speech. Instead, the media house will continue to assess guests using its own journalistic standards rather than KNDI's proposed checklist.

The dispute began when KNDI issued a letter instructing media organizations to obtain clearance before featuring nutritionists or dieticians in interviews. The institute warned of legal action if outlets failed to comply. However, critics quickly pointed out that KNDI's legal authority is strictly limited to registering and licensing professionals—not to approving or vetting media appearances.

Giving an interview does not qualify as 'practising' under KNDI's own regulations, further weakening its claim to oversee such discussions. The public backlash grew as many viewed the move as an overreach, with some labelling KNDI as attempting to act as a 'national thought-police' despite having no record of achievements justifying such a role.

The Standard Group responded firmly, stating it would not follow the directive. The media company argued that assessing a guest's credibility is a journalistic responsibility, not one that should be outsourced to an external body. The group also emphasised its commitment to featuring diverse voices on health and nutrition, regardless of KNDI's demands.

The controversy highlights tensions between professional regulation and media independence. KNDI's directive remains unenforced, with major outlets refusing to comply. For now, journalists and broadcasters will continue to determine their own standards for selecting interview guests on matters of food and health.