Definition
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for nutritionists and dietitians is a range of learning experiences and competencies that enables retention of capacity to practise safely, effectively, efficiently and legally within the scope of work in a diverse and evolving health care environment. In 2013, the institute developed CPD guidelines for regulating, strengthening and approving CPD processes.

Aim
The aim of CPD is to ensure that nutritionists and dieticians keep abreast of the new developments in preventive and curative services, as well as adhere to all aspects of nutrition and dietetics standards through organized programs for promotion of health care.

Rationale
CPD for nutritionists and dieticians is anchored on the functions of KNDI as per Act No. 18 of 2007: PART II, No. 6 (f). It mandates the institute to come up with CPD guidelines. Specifically, KNDI determines and sets a framework for the professional practice of nutritionists and dieticians and endeavours to maintain the competencies of its members by updating their knowledge through publications. This is in line with the Directorate of Personnel Management Policy on CPD requirement that all professionals attain a minimum of 5 days’ training per year (OP circular of 15/02/2006) in their relevant areas of expertise, which translates to 40 hours per year.
This document sets out the framework on the minimum requirements and conditions that must be enforced by the KNDI Council with respect to various forms of CPD. The institute expects all stakeholders to comply with this framework for improved nutrition and dietetics- related services.

Goals and Objectives of CPD Guidelines

Goal
To provide direction to nutritionists, dieticians and KNDI-registered CPD providers in the implementation of activities geared towards achieving quality nutrition and health care services.

Objectives
1. To provide minimum requirements for developing and implementing CPD programs for registered providers, nutritionists and dieticians.
2. To enhance continuous improvement of competence for professional nutritionists and dieticians.
3. To develop and implement a CPD delivery system.

CPD Communication Approach
The effective communication of CPD activities is essential in ensuring that nutritionists and dieticians are aware of available training and learning opportunities and how to access them. It is equally important that all stakeholders provide feedback on the impact that CPD is having on service delivery. It is thus expected that the communication of these CPD guidelines will be undertaken through, but not limited to, conferences, annual general meetings (AGM), KNDI circulars, professional associations such as Nutrition Association of Kenya (NAK), Clinical Nutritionists and Dieticians Association of Kenya (CNDAK), Kenya Community Nutrition Association (KECONA), Kenya Coalition Action in Nutrition (KCAN) and other stakeholder forums recognized by KNDI. Other institutions that will be involved in CPD implementation and communication include accredited training institutions, hospitals/health facilities (private and public), the Ministry of Health, appointed CPD County coordinators, CPD providers, Faith-based Organizations (FBOs) and Public Benefits Organizations (PBOs). The CPD guidelines will also be disseminated and made available and accessible to the public through the KNDI website, brochures, magazines and various social media outlets.

CPD Provider’s Accreditation
CPD providers shall be categorised into six different classes as follows:
Class A: – Symposia and Conferences Organizing Bodies (Local and International).
Class B: – Training Institutions
Class C: – Organizations – UN agencies with Nutrition and Dietetics activities in Kenya, Non Governmental Organizations, Community based Organizations and Companies.
Class D: – Individual Providers (lecturers, Private practitioners).
Class E: – Research Organizations.
Class F: – Recognized Non – Registerable (Refer to KNDI CPD guidelines)

Cost Implications
• CPD Provider class A shall attract a pre-determined cost as indicated in Table 1.
• All CPD providers shall attract costs associated with accreditation of their facilities for the purpose of recognition. Such cost shall be considered case by case based on the proposal made to the accreditation committee with details of scope. An approved cost by the KNDI Council shall be communicated to the providers. This shall apply for provider Classes B – E
• Provider related costs shall not apply for class F.

Benefits:
1. Accreditation Certificate
2. Technical Support
3. Marketing of Conference to professionals
4. 1-year license
5. Awarding (CPD) to professionals
6. Rating Conference for recognition or quality
7. End of conference Evaluation
8. Identification of key note speakers as per theme.

Note:
Practitioners should be made aware that renewal of practice license will be based on CPD earnings of 14-points per year.

Download the KNDI CPD Guidelines here