The development of guidance and counselling in schools and educational institutions in Kenya.

Abstract

This paper traces the history and development of guidance and counselling, teaching and training, coaching and mentorship in schools and educational institutions in Kenya. This includes the establishment of guidance and counselling in schools, educational psychology, spiritualism and chaplaincy as well as counselling in institutions of higher learning. Though a system of guidance and counselling could be stated to have been launched in Kenya in 1971, this was a policy directive rather than the establishment of effective guidance and counselling programme and services. Many pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities could have failed to benefit from these essential services as a result of various hindrances that include lack of resources (both trained personnel and finances), lack of understanding of guidance and counselling, poor implementation of counselling policy as well as reduced follow-up. The paper recommends considerable understanding and implementation of guidance and counselling, teaching and training, coaching and mentorship, pastoral counselling and chaplaincy in schools and educational institutions in Kenya.