The importance of nutrition in healthcare has never been more evident than in 2025. As Kenya continues to tackle challenges like malnutrition in rural areas and lifestyle-related illnesses in urban populations, trained nutritionists have become indispensable.
Diploma in Nutrition serves as the gateway to this impactful career, offering students practical skills and knowledge that are in demand across healthcare systems, schools, community programs, and the wellness industry.
At the Imperial College of Medical and Health Sciences (ICMHS), the Diploma in Nutrition program combines academic excellence with real-world training. This blog explores the entry requirements, tuition fees, career prospects, and reasons to study at ICMHS, providing prospective students with everything they need to make an informed decision.
What is Diploma in Nutrition?
A Diploma in Nutrition is a specialized educational program designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills related to nutrition and its impact on human health. The program typically covers the fundamentals of how food affects the body, including the science of nutrients, their role in maintaining health, and their influence on disease prevention and management.
The content of a Diploma in Nutrition may include subjects like:
- Human Nutrition: Understanding macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), and water, and their roles in bodily functions.
- Dietary Guidelines: Learning how to create balanced diets for different populations, such as children, elderly, athletes, or people with specific health conditions.
- Nutrition Science: Study of metabolic processes, digestion, and absorption of nutrients.
- Health and Disease Prevention: How nutrition contributes to the prevention of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and certain types of cancer.
- Food Safety: Understanding food handling, storage, and safety practices to ensure healthy and hygienic consumption.
- Weight Management: Techniques for promoting healthy weight management and understanding various dietary plans (low-carb, ketogenic, etc.).
- Sports Nutrition: The relationship between exercise, performance, and nutrition.
- Nutritional Counseling: How to advise and guide individuals or groups on making healthier food choices.
The duration of the program can range from 6 months to 2 years depending on whether it’s a certificate, diploma, or advanced diploma. Some courses may also include practical placements or internships to give hands-on experience in real-world nutrition settings.
Graduates of this program can work in various roles such as:
- Nutritionist or Dietitian (in some regions, the title “Dietitian” may require additional certification)
- Public Health Career as Educator
- Wellness Coach
- Clinical Nutrition Assistant
- Food Industry Consultant
It’s often pursued by individuals interested in careers in healthcare, wellness, fitness, or those who want to deepen their understanding of food science and its impact on health.
Why a Diploma in Nutrition Matters?
A diploma in nutrition is not just a qualification; it is a response to Kenya’s urgent healthcare needs. With rising lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, more people are seeking professional nutrition advice to live healthier lives.
Furthermore, government initiatives under SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund) are emphasizing preventive care. Nutrition is at the heart of prevention, making this diploma one of the most marketable programs today. Globally, nutritionists are also in demand in sports, wellness, and corporate health programs, giving graduates a wide professional scope.
Entry Requirements for Diploma in Nutrition
Before applying, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria for this program. The requirements ensure that students have a strong foundation in the sciences and the ability to handle the academic rigor of healthcare education.
At ICMHS, the entry requirements for the Diploma in Nutrition (2025 intake) are:
- KCSE Mean Grade: C (plain) and above.
- Mandatory Subjects: C in Biology and Chemistry.
- Preferred Subjects: Physics/Mathematics and English/Kiswahili.
- Alternative Pathway: Students holding a Certificate in Nutrition or Community Health may upgrade to the diploma.
The program runs for three years (full-time), with structured coursework, lab sessions, and field practice.
Fees for Diploma in Nutrition at ICMHS
Finances are often a key consideration for students and parents when selecting a course. ICMHS ensures its programs are competitively priced without compromising quality.
For the Diploma in Nutrition, the fee structure for 2025 is:
- Application Fee: KES 2,000
- Tuition Fee Range: KES 80,000 – 120,000 per academic year
- Additional Costs: Laboratory materials, student uniforms, and exam fees may apply
- Payment Flexibility: ICMHS allows installment plans to ease the financial burden on families
In addition, scholarships and financial aid are available for qualified students, ensuring affordability and equal access.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Nutrition Students
Pursuing a diploma should not be limited by financial constraints. At ICMHS, students have access to a wide range of scholarships and financial aid programs to support their academic journey.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to high-performing students in their KCSE or during the program.
- Need-Based Financial Aid: Available for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Program-Specific Support: Some aid is reserved for nutrition and public health students, given the demand for these fields.
- External Funding: Students may also use county bursaries, NGO support, or government funds.
This combination of support ensures that bright, motivated students can focus on their studies rather than financial worries.
Curriculum Overview of the Diploma in Nutrition
A diploma is more than theoretical learning; it equips students with practical knowledge to meet community and clinical needs. The curriculum at ICMHS blends academic rigor with fieldwork.
Core Subjects Include:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Principles of Nutrition
- Food Science and Technology
- Diet Therapy and Clinical Nutrition
- Public Health Nutrition
- Community Health and Field Work
Students also participate in internships and supervised practice to build confidence in real-world healthcare environments.
Career Opportunities After a Diploma in Nutrition
The value of this diploma lies in the opportunities it creates for graduates. With Kenya facing both undernutrition and overnutrition challenges, nutritionists are required in almost every sector.
Career Pathways:
- Hospitals and Clinics – Working with doctors to design diet plans for patients.
- Schools and Institutions – Developing meal programs that promote child health.
- NGOs and Community Health Programs – Leading nutrition awareness and interventions in rural areas.
- Sports and Wellness Industry – Advising athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
- Private Practice – Running personal nutrition clinics or consultancies.
The average salary for diploma nutritionists in Kenya ranges from KES 50,000 – 100,000 per month, with potential for higher earnings in private and international opportunities.
Global Opportunities for Nutrition Graduates
The Diploma in Nutrition not only prepares graduates for local opportunities but also opens doors globally. Countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia recognize Kenyan-trained nutritionists in their wellness and healthcare systems.
At ICMHS, students are prepared for global practice through exposure to international nutrition standards, research-based learning, and strong academic mentorship. This ensures graduates are competitive in both local and international job markets.
Why Choose ICMHS for Diploma in Nutrition?
Choosing the right institution is as important as choosing the course itself. ICMHS stands out as a premier institution for healthcare education.
- Comprehensive Training: From classroom theory to practical hospital rotations.
- Modern Facilities: Fully equipped nutrition labs and libraries.
- Financial Support: Scholarships and flexible payment plans for deserving students.
- Strong Career Support: Partnerships with hospitals, NGOs, and global recruiters.
- Student-Centered Approach: Mentorship and counseling to support academic and personal growth.
By choosing ICMHS, students gain not just an education but a platform to launch successful, impactful careers in healthcare.
Conclusion
A Diploma in Nutrition is one of the most marketable healthcare programs in Kenya today, addressing both national and global health challenges. With the right combination of academic training, practical exposure, and financial support, students can turn their passion for nutrition into a lifelong career.
At the Imperial College of Medical and Health Sciences (ICMHS), students are empowered to thrive through affordable fees, scholarships, and career placement opportunities. The diploma program offers not only a qualification but a meaningful chance to make a difference in people’s lives.
FAQs related to Diploma in Nutrition
A KCSE mean grade of C plain, with at least C in Biology and Chemistry, is required.
The program runs for three years full-time, including coursework and practical training.
Tuition fees range between KES 80,000 – 120,000 per year, with flexible payment options available.
Yes. ICMHS offers merit-based, need-based, and program-specific scholarships to support nutrition students.
Graduates can work in hospitals, NGOs, schools, sports nutrition, or private practice.
Yes. Diploma graduates can pursue advanced studies, including a degree in Nutrition or Public Health.
Yes. ICMHS has partnerships with hospitals and NGOs, helping graduates secure internships and jobs.
