Prevalence of counselling services among university students in Kenya

Abstract

Transition to university life can be stressful for all students. In mitigation, most universities, both private and public, including those in Kenya offer social support to students in form of counselling, financial assistance, health and academic support. Despite this it has been documented that only a minority of university students who experience psychological distress seek professional counselling. This paper aimed at establishing the prevalence of counselling services among university students in Kenya. The study applied descriptive survey research design and guided by Person Centred and Social Learning Theories. Data was collected using questionnaires, in-depth interview schedules and Focus Group Discussions. Findings reveal that university students are faced with various life challenges such as academic, psychological, social, personal, economic, health, physical, vocational and spiritual. However, only 35% of students with issues in both private and public universities seek counselling services, either frequently or rarely, majority of which are females. The study recommends that university counsellors should initiate vigorous campaign to encourage male/female students to seek for counselling services.