Rationale for the programme
Needs assessment / situation analysis
Development of the original curriculum arose from need for academic progression by Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics graduates. The need to review this curriculum arose from the need to align it with the requirements of the regulatory body (The Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute). Needs assessment was done in consultation with the stakeholders and the university curriculum review committee. The stakeholders included; Nutrition and Dietetics Students, Ministry of Health, The Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, NGO representatives, Kenya National Examinations Council, representatives from other higher education institutions, this led to a review of the course content and duration of study.
Justification for the need of the programme
Right to good nutrition is a human right entrenched in the Kenyan constitution. The high incidence and prevalence of preventable nutrition related diseases, the emergence of new diseases and food insecurity indicates that not all Kenyans enjoy this right. This places a heavy demand on the training institutions offering nutrition related courses to align the programs to address the need.
Moreover the institutions offering quality nutrition programmes in Kenya are limited and the number of graduates from these institutions is inadequate to address Kenya’s need for nutritionists.
In addition, students graduating with diplomas from various institutions need to be given an opportunity for academic progression.
It is with this background that Mount Kenya University has designed this course curriculum to offer training opportunities for persons wishing to enter the Nutrition and Dietetics profession as well as further their education in the field. This programme has particular emphasis on clinical aspects of nutrition found to be lacking in other nutrition training programmes.
We endeavour to produce highly qualified professionals in the field of Nutrition and Dietetics at Degree level.
Objectives of the programme
The objectives of the programme will be to:
- Equip students with knowledge and skills to perform accurate nutrition assessment , diagnose and make recommendations
- Equip students with knowledge and principles required in management of nutritional disorders
- Describe food preferences for individuals and communities to promote healthy eating habits and manage diet related conditions
- Develop skills in implementation, monitoring and evaluation of nutrition projects and programmes.
- Provide knowledge and skills to conduct dietary management of various disease conditions at individual, community and in emergency situations.
- Promote innovation and entrepreneurship activities in the area of food nutrition and dietetics
- Train manpower that is able to participate in the generation of national and international nutrition and dietetics policies.
- Explain the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders in management of nutrition related problems in the community.
Career Prospects
Upon completion of the programme for Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, the graduate shall have acquired knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to be able to: –
- Conduct accurate nutrition assessment , diagnose and make recommendations to the clients
- Identify food preferences for individuals and communities to promote healthy eating habits and manage diet related conditions
- Disseminate nutrition information through nutrition education and nutrition counselling sessions to individuals and communities.
- Demonstrate skills in implementation, monitoring and evaluation of nutrition projects and programmes.
- Conduct dietary management of various disease conditions at individual, community and in emergency situations.
- Conduct entrepreneurship activities innovation in the area of food nutrition and dietetics
- Participate in the generation of national and international nutrition and dietetics policies.
- Collaborate with various stakeholders in management of nutrition related problems in the community.
- Conduct research and keep abreast with emerging issues in relation to Nutrition and Dietetics.