
Summary
Counselling Associations
All Professional Bodies, National Associations (e.g. Mental Health, School, Guidance, Addiction, Faith-based etc.) and Accrediting Organisations.
Kenya Association of Professional Counsellors (KAPC)
- Website: https://www.kapc.or.ke/about-us
- Organization Size: N/A
Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association
- Website: https://kenyacounsellingandpsychologicalassociation.org
- Organisation Size: N/A
The Psychological Society of Kenya (PSK)
- Website: http://www.kenyanpsychology.org
- Organisation Size: N/A
African Mental Health Foundation
- Website: https://www.mhinnovation.net/organisations/africa-mental-health-foundation
- Organisation Size: N/A
Maranatha International Counselling Foundation
- Website: http://www.micfoundation.org/index.html
- Organisation Size: N/A
Psychiatric Disability Organization (PDO)
- Website: https://www.pdokenya.org
- Organization Size: N/A
Universities and Other Education and Training Institutes
Kenya Association of Professional Counsellors (KAPC) Training courses
Amani Counselling Centre and Training Institute
- Website: https://www.amanicentre.org
Kenya Institute of Professional Counselling
Counselling Research Institute of Kenya
- Website: http://www.crikeonline.org
University of Nairobi
- University Website: https://psychology.uonbi.ac.ke/index.php/
- Entire Programme Website: https://psychology.uonbi.ac.ke/admission-view
- Programme Types: Diploma in Counselling Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling) (ON HOLD), Master’s in Counselling Psychology, Master’s in Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy (Counselling)
Kenyatta University
- University Website: http://www.ku.ac.ke/admissions/
- Programme Website: http://www.ku.ac.ke/admissions/
- Programme Types: Diploma in Guiding and Counselling, Diploma in Clinical and Child Neuropsychology, Bachelor of Arts Counselling Psychology, Bachelor of Arts Psychology, Master of Arts Counselling Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology
United States International University Africa
- University Website: https://www.usiu.ac.ke/home/
- Entire Programme Website:
https://www.usiu.ac.ke/undergraduate-programs/
https://www.usiu.ac.ke/masters-programs/
https://www.usiu.ac.ke/doctoral-programs/ - Programme Types: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) Clinical Psychology
Moi University
- University Website: https://www.mu.ac.ke/index.php/en/
- Entire Programme Website: https://www.mu.ac.ke/index.php/en/admissions/undergraduate.html/ https://www.mu.ac.ke/index.php/en/admissions/postgraduate.html
- Programme Types: Bachelor of Arts Psychology, Bachelor of Arts Counselling Psychology, Bachelor of Education Guidance and Counselling, Bachelor of Science in Medical Psychology, Master of Science Counselling Psychology, Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling, Master of Education in Educational Psychology, Master of Medicine (M.Med) in Psychiatry, PhD in Educational Psychology
Mount Kenya University
- University Website: https://www.mku.ac.ke
- Programme Website: https://www.mku.ac.ke/index.php/2013-10-18-07-54-58/social-science
- Programme Types: Department of Psychology, Department of Social and Development Studies, Bachelor in Community Development, Bachelor in Social Work and Administration, Bachelor in Sociology
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
- University Website: http://www.cuea.edu/index.php
- Programme Website: http://www.cuea.edu/index.php/programmes-of-ss
- Programme Types: Certificate in Social Work, Diploma in Social Psychiatry, Diploma in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Master of Arts in Social Wok
Kenya Methodist University
- University Website: https://kemu.ac.ke
- Programme Website:
https://kemu.ac.ke/index.php/programmes/undergraduate/diploma/
https://kemu.ac.ke/index.php/programmes/undergraduate/degree/ https://kemu.ac.ke/index.php/programmes/postgraduate/master/ https://kemu.ac.ke/index.php/programmes/postgraduate/doctorate/ - Programme Types: Diploma in Counselling Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology
University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
- University Website: https://www.ueab.ac.ke
- Programme Website:
https://www.ueab.ac.ke/course/ba-bachelor-of-arts-in-counseling-psychology/ - Programme Types: Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology
- Note*: They do provide psychosocial support during the pandemic movement (https://www.ueab.ac.ke/covid-19/#1590866274104-e66702e1-8c20) (https://www.health.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/GUIDE-ON-MENTAL-HEALTH-AND-PSYCHOSOCIAL-SUPPORT-DURING-THE-COVID-19-PANDEMIC-compressed.pd)
Egerton University
- University Website: web@egerton.ac.ke
- Programme Website: https://www.egerton.ac.ke/index.php/component/sppagebuilder/?view=page&id=86
- Programme Types: Bachelor of Psychology
African Nazarene University
- University Website: https://www.anu.ac.ke
- Programme Website:
https://www.anu.ac.ke/school-department/school-humanities-social-sciences/ - Programme Types: Diploma in Counselling, Bachelor of Counselling Psychology, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
- Note*: They also provide career counselling (https://www.anu.ac.ke/career-counseling/)
Technical University of Kenya
- University Website: http://tukenya.ac.ke
- Entire Programme Website:
http://tukenya.ac.ke/diploma-courses
http://tukenya.ac.ke/bachelors-degree-courses - Programme Types: Diploma in Counselling Psychology, Diploma in Social Work and Community Development, Bachelor of Science Counselling Psychology
Kabarak University
- University Website: https://kabarak.ac.ke/home-page-default/
- Programme Website: https://kabarak.ac.ke/university-catalogue-academic-programs-20172018/ (PLEASE check on PAGE 3 and 142)
- Programme Types: Master of Education Guidance and Counselling
Daystar University
- University Website: https://www.daystar.ac.ke/index.htm
- Programme Website: https://www.daystar.ac.ke/schools-SHSS.htm
- Programme Types: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Counselling, Master of Arts with Major in Counselling Psychology, Masters of Arts in Child Development, Postgraduate Diploma in Child Development (PGDCD), Bachelor of Arts in community Development, Master of Arts in Community Development
- Note*: They provide free counselling to Daystar students through the help of qualified student counsellors. (https://www.daystar.ac.ke/counseling-services.htm)
Maseno University
- University Website: https://www.maseno.ac.ke/index/index.php
- Programme Website: https://www.maseno.ac.ke/index/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=171&Itemid=666
- Programme Types: Bachelor of Psychology with IT (Proposed Programme) Bachelor of Guidance and Counselling with IT, Bachelor of Clinical Psychology with IT, Bachelor of Industrial/Organizational Psychology with IT, Department of Special Needs Education and Rehabilitation
- Note*: Provides counselling with three trained counsellors from the service unit
(https://www.maseno.ac.ke/index/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=145&Itemid=168)
Machakos University
- University Website: https://www.mksu.ac.ke
- Programme Website: https://www.mksu.ac.ke/course/humanitiesandsocialsciencescourses/
- Programme Types: Bachelor of Arts in Counselling, Psychology, Counselling Psychology
Riara University
- University Website: https://www.riarauniversity.ac.ke
- Programme Website: https://www.riarauniversity.ac.ke/education/index.php/course-listings/#1508249154107-e2aeaf2c-3459
- Programme Types: No Psychology course but subjects such as Educational Psychology and Educational Guidance and Counselling that has been offered. There are other special needs education short courses available too.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
- University Website: http://www.mmust.ac.ke/mmust/
- Programme Website: http://www.mmust.ac.ke/mmust/images/Programme/Short_Courses_September_2018.pdf
http://www.mmust.ac.ke/mmust/images/Programmes/MMUST_UNDERGRADUATE_BROCHURE_2018.pdf
http://www.mmust.ac.ke/mmust/images/Programmes/Postgraduate_Programmes.pdf - Programme Types: Certificate in Counselling Skills (short course), Certificate in Social Work and Community Development, Diploma in Social Work and Community Development, Bachelor of Social Work and Community Development, Master of Education Guidance and Counselling, Master if Educational Psychology Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology
- Note*: Assist student to achieve in greatest personal value from their educational opportunities (http://mmust.ac.ke/directorates/studentlife/index.php/services/guidance-and-counselling)
KCA University
- University Website: https://www.kca.ac.ke
- Programme Website:
https://www.kca.ac.ke/course/certificate-in-counselling-psychology/ https://feas.kca.ac.ke/course/diploma-in-counselling-psychology/
https://feas.kca.ac.ke/course/bachelor-of-arts-in-counselling-psychology/
https://feas.kca.ac.ke/course/master-of-arts-in-counselling-psychology/ - Programme Types: Certificate in Counselling Psychology, Diploma in Counselling Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
- Note*: Counselling services are provided via online for students and staff that could be contactable through phone line (https://www.kca.ac.ke/counselling-services/)
St.Paul University
- University Website: https://www.spu.ac.ke/new/index.php
- Programme Website: https://www.spu.ac.ke/new/index.php/faculties/faculty-of-social-sciences/academic-programmes-foss
- Programme Types: Certificate in Community Development and Social Work, Diploma in Social Work, Diploma in Community Development, Diploma in Counselling Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Community Development, Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Master of Arts in Community Care & HIV/AIDS, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
South Eastern Kenya University
- University Website: https://www.seku.ac.ke/index.php
- Programme Website: https://www.seku.ac.ke/index.php/academic/programmes-offered/list-of-academic-programmes.html
- Programme Types: Bachelor of Arts Social Work
Pwani University
- University Website: https://www.pu.ac.ke/index.php
- Programme Website: https://www.pu.ac.ke/index.php/academics/courses-and-programmes/shss-programmes/235-ba-psychology
- Programme Types: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, PhD in Psychology
Chuka University
- University Website: https://www.chuka.ac.ke
- Programme Website: https://www.chuka.ac.ke/public/uploads/notice/notice-35.pdf
- Programme Types: Certificate in Social Work, Certificate in HIV/AIDS Management, Diploma in Counselling Psychology, Diploma in Community Development, Diploma in Social Work, Bachelor of Psychology, Masters in Counselling Psychology, M.Ed. in Guidance and Counselling, Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology, Ph.D. in Educational Psychology
- Note*: 5 well trained psychology counsellors (http://students.chuka.ac.ke)
Kisii University
- University Website: https://sass.kisiiuniversity.ac.ke
- Programme Website:
https://sass.kisiiuniversity.ac.ke/department-of-psychology/
https://sass.kisiiuniversity.ac.ke/certificate-programmes/
https://kisiiuniversity.ac.ke/diploma-programmes/
https://sass.kisiiuniversity.ac.ke/bachelors-programmes/
https://sass.kisiiuniversity.ac.ke/masters-programmes/
https://sass.kisiiuniversity.ac.ke/ph-d-programmes/ - Programme Types: Certificate in Counselling Psychology, Diploma in Guidance and Counselling, Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Sociology, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology
Africa International University
- University Website: https://www.aiu.ac.ke
- Programme Website:
https://www.aiu.ac.ke/admissions/diploma-programs/diploma-in-counseling-and-psychology
https://www.aiu.ac.ke/admissions/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-of-arts-in-psychology-and-counselling
https://www.aiu.ac.ke/admissions/graduate-programs/counseling-psychology - Programme Types: Diploma in Counselling and Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Counselling, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Maasaimara University
- University Website: http://www.mmarau.ac.ke
- Programme Website:
http://www.mmarau.ac.ke/academic/academic-programmes/certificate-programmes.html
http://www.mmarau.ac.ke/academic/academic-programmes/diploma-programmes.html
http://www.mmarau.ac.ke/academic/academic-programmes/undergraduate-programmes.html - Programme Types: Certificate in Social Work, Certificate in Community Development, Skills for Guidance and Counselling, HIV/AIDs Management (short course), Diploma in Social Work, Diploma in Community Development, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Bachelor of Arts in Community Development, Bachelors of Education with Guidance and Counselling, Bachelor of Education Science with Guidance and Counselling
University of Embu
- University Website: https://www.embuni.ac.ke
- Programme Website: https://humanities.embuni.ac.ke/index.php/programmes
- Programme Types: Diploma in Social Work and Community Development
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
- University Website: https://www.jooust.ac.ke/index.php
- Programme Websites: https://tinyurl.com/2yvaz7jb
- Programme Types: Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling
University of Eldoret
- University Website: https://www.uoeld.ac.ke
- Programme Website: https://tinyurl.com/vc78k4cn
- Programme Types: Diploma in Social Work and Rural Development
Zetech University
- University Website: https://zetech.ac.ke
- Programme Website:
- Programme Types: Diploma in Counselling Psychology
- Note*: Restrictions to all the pages, health and counselling services are provided
Multimedia University of Kenya
- University Website: https://www.mmu.ac.ke
- Programme Website: https://www.mmu.ac.ke/bachelor-of-arts-in-psychology-and-technology/
- Programme Types: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Technology
Technical University of Mombasa
- University Website: https://www.tum.ac.ke
- Programme Website: https://www.tum.ac.ke/academics/courses
- Programme Types: Certificate in Community Development and Counselling, Certificate in Community Health and HIV Management, Diploma in Community Development and Counselling.
- Note*: Guidance & Counselling are accredited by the National AIDS AND STDs Control Program (https://www.tum.ac.ke/site/campus-life?v=services)
International Leadership University
- University Website: https://kenya.ilu.edu
- Programme Website: https://kenya.ilu.edu/school-of-education-and-social-sciences/#
- Programme Types: Certificate in Counselling, Diploma in Counselling, Bachelors of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Master of Arts in Counselling Studies
- Note*: There is counselling community available at the university it is called Hope counselling centre.
University of Kabianga
- University Website: http://kabianga.ac.ke/main/
- Programme Website:
http://kabianga.ac.ke/main/programme/diploma-guidance-counseling
http://kabianga.ac.ke/main/programme/bachelor-education-guidance-and-counselling
http://kabianga.ac.ke/main/programme-level/masters-degree?page=2 - Programme Types: Diploma in Guidance & Counselling, Bachelor of Education Guidance and Counselling, Master of Education in Educational Psychology, Master of Education in Guidance & Counselling
Great Lakes University of Kisumu
- University Website: http://www.gluk.ac.ke
- Programme Website: http://www.gluk.ac.ke/all-academic-programmes/
- Programme Types: Certificate in Counselling Psychology, Diploma in Counselling Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Direct Entry), Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology
- Note*: Student counselling and support services are available (http://www.gluk.ac.ke/student-counseling-and-support-services/)
Kibabii University
- University Website: https://kibu.ac.ke
- Programme Website: https://fess.kibu.ac.ke/department-psychology-early-childhood/
- Programme Types: Bachelor of Arts Psychology, Bachelor of Arts Guidance and Counselling
The Presbyterian University
- University Website: https://puea.ac.ke
- Programme Website:
https://puea.ac.ke/certificate-courses/
https://puea.ac.ke/diploma-programmes/ - Programme Types: Certificate in Counselling Psychology, Diploma in Counselling Psychology
The Management University of Africa
- University Website: https://www.mua.ac.ke
- Program Website:
https://www.mua.ac.ke/programmes/certificate-programmes
https://www.mua.ac.ke/programmes/diploma-programme - Programme Types: Certificate in Counselling and Psychology, Diploma in Counselling and Psychology
Laikipia University
- University Website: https://www.laikipia.ac.ke/home/
- Programme Website: https://www.laikipia.ac.ke/academic-programmes
- Programme Types: Bachelor of Psychology, Master of Education in Educational Psychology, Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling, Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselling, Doctor of Philosophy in Guidance and Counselling, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology
Rongo University
- University Website: https://www.rongovarsity.ac.ke
- Programme Website: https://www.rongovarsity.ac.ke/programs/
- Programme Types: Master of Education in Psychology, Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling
Scott Christian University
- University Website: https://scott.ac.ke
- Programme Website: https://scott.ac.ke/admission/list-of-programmes/
- Programme Types: Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Gretsa University
- University Website: https://gretsauniversity.ac.ke
- Programme Website:
http://gretsauniversity.ac.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Gretsa-University-Certificate-in-Social-Work-Community-Development.pdf
http://gretsauniversity.ac.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Gretsa-University-Diploma-in-Counselling-Pyschology.pdf
http://gretsauniversity.ac.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Gretsa-University-Diploma-in-social-work-and-community-development.pdf - Programme Types: Certificate in Social Work and Community Development, Diploma in Counselling Psychology, Diploma in Social Work and Community Development
KAG East University
- University Website: https://east.ac.ke
- Programme Website: https://east.ac.ke/alumni-2-12/
- Programme Types: Certificate in Counselling Psychology, Diploma in Counselling Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology
The East African University
- University Website: https://teau.ac.ke
- Note*: There is no psychology course that is offered in this university but counselling service is provided to support the student as they pursue academic goals and explore their personal growth
- (https://teau.ac.ke/career-guidance-and-counselling/)
Kenya Highland University
- University Website: https://khu.ac.ke/index.php
- Programme Website:
https://khu.ac.ke/index.php/academics/programmes/diploma
https://khu.ac.ke/index.php/academics/programmes/degree - Programme Types: Diploma in Counselling Psychology, Bachelor of Arts Counselling Psychology, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Counselling Agencies, Services, Group Practices, Counselling Centres
The Retreat Rehab Centre
- Website: http://theretreatkenya.org
- Organisation Size: 23 co-workers (Private Setting)
Master Misericordiae Hospital
- Website: http://materkenya.com/external/counseling.php
- Organization Size: Private Setting
Tumaini Counselling Centre
- Website: tumainicounselling.net
- Organisation Size: Private Setting
Precision Counselling Home
- Website: http://www.precisioncounseling.org
- Organisation Size: Private Setting
Vizazi Foundation
- Website: https://www.vizazi.org
- Organisation Size: Private Setting
Oasis Africa
- Website: https://oasisafrica.co.ke
- Organisation Size: Private Setting
Fountain of Hope Treatment Centre
- Website: https://fountainofhoperehab.org/index.php
- Organisation Size: Private Setting
Essential Therapy
- Website: http://www.essentialtherapy.ca/home.html
- Organisation Size: Private Setting
Jorgs Ark Rehab
- Website: https://jorgs-ark-centre.business.site
- Organisation Size: Private Setting
Background & Context
The counselling profession in Kenya is in its formative years. Counsellor education is quite varied in terms of curriculum, such as in school, the nature of institutions that offer training, and the duration of training programs.
However, the growth of counselling in Kenya has been fueled largely by events in the social, educational, economic, and political arenas. Beginning in the late 1970s, the Catholic Church in Kenya embarked on a massive campaign to educate people on natural family planning methods (African Forum for Catholic Social Teachings, 1979). This effort was spearheaded by the Family Life Counselling Association of Kenya, a lay organization of the church.
Current Regulatory Status / Level of Recognition:
The counselling profession in Kenya is in its formative years. Counsellor education is quite varied in terms of curriculum, such as in school, the nature of institutions that offer training, and the duration of training programs.
However, the growth of counselling in Kenya has been fueled largely by events in the social, educational, economic, and political arenas. Beginning in the late 1970s, the Catholic Church in Kenya embarked on a massive campaign to educate people on natural family planning methods (African Forum for Catholic Social Teachings, 1979). This effort was spearheaded by the Family Life Counselling Association of Kenya, a lay organization of the church.
Practice Settings
Counsellors can now be found in virtually every sector, with the largest numbers being in HIV/AIDS, VCT centres, hospitals, child protection agencies, and primary and secondary schools (West, 2007). It is, therefore, difficult to estimate the number of counsellors in the country due to the lack of established registration, certification, or a licensure body that keeps records on the profession. Mainly it could be found in associations, Non-profit organisations, private settings, counselling centres, rehabilitation centres and in education institutions.
Challenges & Trends
Historically, the notion of consulting with a stranger about personal or family problems was an unusual concept and even frowned upon. Social challenges that might cast a shadow on the name and reputation of the family had to be resolved privately. A person who was experiencing an interpersonal problem would seek the help of a well-respected relative or a clan elder; in more serious cases, traditional healers were consulted.
Additional Information & References
For more information about the counselling profession in the state, interested readers are encouraged to read the following journal and website articles:
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Okech, J. E., & Kimemia, M. (2012). Professional Counseling in Kenya: History, Current Status, and Future Trends. Journal of Counseling & Development, 90(1), 107-112. doi:10.1111/j.1556-6676.2012.00015.x