IAC-IRTAC-Research

Kenya

kenya2

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)

Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association

The Psychological Society of Kenya (PSK)

African Mental Health Foundation

Maranatha International Counselling Foundation

Psychiatric Disability Organization (PDO)

Universities and Other Education and Training Institutes

Kenya Association of Professional Counsellors (KAPC) Training courses

Amani Counselling Centre and Training Institute

Kenya Institute of Professional Counselling

Counselling Research Institute of Kenya

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

Moi University

Mount Kenya University

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa

Kenya Methodist University

University of Eastern Africa, Baraton

Egerton University

African Nazarene University

Technical University of Kenya

Kabarak University

Daystar University

Maseno University

Machakos University

Riara University

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

KCA University

St.Paul University

South Eastern Kenya University

Pwani University

Chuka University

Kisii University

Africa International University

Maasaimara University

University of Embu

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology

University of Eldoret

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

Technical University of Mombasa

International Leadership University

University of Kabianga  

Great Lakes University of Kisumu

Kibabii University

The Presbyterian University

The Management University of Africa

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

Scott Christian University

Gretsa University

KAG East University

The East African University

Kenya Highland University

Counselling Agencies, Services, Group Practices, Counselling Centres

The Retreat Rehab Centre

Master Misericordiae Hospital

Tumaini Counselling Centre

Precision Counselling Home

Vizazi Foundation

Oasis Africa

Fountain of Hope Treatment Centre

Essential Therapy

Jorgs Ark Rehab

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:

  • 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

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