Guidance and counseling in Kenya have evolved over the years from a small program to a crucial part of the education system. This evolution has been fueled by the need to address the growing social, academic, and psychological problems facing students.
The history of guidance and counseling in Kenya dates back to the colonial era when the first schools were established.
In this post, we will discuss the historical development of guidance and counseling in Kenya, including the major milestones, key players, and challenges faced.
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Pre-Colonial Era
Before the arrival of the colonialists, guidance, and counseling in Kenya was mainly done by elders within the community.
Young people were guided and counseled by the elders on various issues such as morals, marriage, and other aspects of life. The elders were considered the custodians of wisdom and knowledge, and they played a critical role in guiding young people.
The colonial era marked the beginning of formal education in Kenya. The first schools were established by Christian missionaries, and they mainly catered to the needs of white settlers.
The education provided in these schools was geared towards producing a labor force that would serve the colonial government.
During this era, guidance and counseling were not part of the formal education system. However, some missionaries who were concerned about the welfare of the students established guidance and counseling programs.
These programs were aimed at addressing the social, academic, and psychological problems facing students. The guidance and counseling programs were voluntary, and students who needed help were encouraged to seek assistance.
The post-colonial era marked a significant shift in the development of guidance and counseling in Kenya. The government of Kenya recognized the importance of guidance and counseling in the education system and started incorporating them into the curriculum.
In 1977, the Ministry of Education established the Guidance and Counseling Division, which was tasked with promoting and coordinating guidance and counseling activities in schools.
In 1981, the Ministry of Education developed a policy framework for guidance and counseling in schools.
The policy framework aimed to provide a systematic approach to the provision of guidance and counseling services in schools.
The policy recognized the need for guidance and counseling services to address the social, academic, and psychological problems facing students.
In 1992, the government of Kenya launched the Basic Education Curriculum Framework, which emphasized the importance of guidance and counseling in the education system. The framework recognized the need for guidance and counseling services to promote the holistic development of the learner.
In 2001, the Ministry of Education developed the Kenya Education Sector Support Program (KESSP), which was aimed at improving the quality of education in Kenya.
The program recognized the importance of guidance and counseling services in the education system and provided funds for the establishment of guidance and counseling centers in schools.
Key Players in the Development of Guidance and Counseling In Kenya
There have been several key players in the development of guidance and counseling in Kenya. Some of the notable players include:
The Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education has played a crucial role in the development of guidance and counseling in Kenya. It has developed policies and provided funding for the establishment of guidance and counseling centers in schools.
Christian Missionaries
Christian missionaries played a critical role in the development of guidance and counseling in Kenya during the colonial era. They established guidance and counseling programs in schools, which helped address the social, academic, and psychological problems facing students.
Kenyan Association of Professional Counselors
The Kenyan Association of Professional Counselors (KAPC) is an officially recognized non-governmental organization. It was registered in 1990 and serves three main purposes: membership, counseling services, and educational training programs
People who have a keen interest in counseling are invited to join KAPC.
A variety of services and activities are available to members. Professional counseling services are also offered by KAPC to local businesses, corporations, and non-governmental groups.
Counseling services are offered on an individual, couple, and group basis.
Professional academic counseling courses are also available at a variety of levels, from certificate to diploma. There are also short-term courses available that cover particular themes of interest.
NGOs such as ChildFund Kenya, Plan International, and Save the Children have played a crucial role in the development of guidance and counseling in Kenya.
They have provided funding and technical support for the establishment of guidance and counseling centers in schools.
University of Nairobi Department of Counseling
The University of Nairobi has played a critical role in the development of guidance and counseling in Kenya. It has trained many counselors who have gone on to work in schools and other institutions.
Challenges in the History of Guidance and Counseling In Kenya
Despite the progress made in the development of guidance and counseling in Kenya, there are still some challenges facing the sector. These challenges include:
Inadequate resources: Many schools in Kenya do not have the necessary resources to provide guidance and counseling services. This makes it difficult for students to access these services.
Stigma: There is still a lot of stigma surrounding guidance and counseling in Kenya. Many people view seeking counseling as a sign of weakness, and this makes it difficult for students to seek help.
Limited access: Guidance and counseling services are mainly available in urban areas, and students in rural areas have limited access to these services.
Lack of trained counselors: There is a shortage of trained counselors in Kenya, and this makes it difficult to provide quality guidance and counseling services.
Cultural barriers: Some cultures in Kenya view counseling as a Western concept, and this makes it difficult for students from these cultures to seek help.
The development of guidance and counseling in Kenya has been a gradual process that has taken several decades.
The sector has evolved from a small program to a crucial part of the education system. The government of Kenya has recognized the importance of guidance and counseling in the education system and has provided funding for its development.
However, there are still some challenges facing the sector, such as inadequate resources, stigma, limited access, lack of trained counselors, and cultural barriers.
Nonetheless, with the continued support of key players such as the Ministry of Education, Christian missionaries, the KAPC, NGOs, and universities, the sector is poised for further growth and development in the future.
Olusegun Iyejare is a career coach and certified counselor. He helps individuals discover and maximize their potential to live satisfying lives regardless of obvious limitations holding them back.
