School Guidance and Counseling in Kenya: Historical Development, Current Status, and Future Prospects

Despite the government’s emphasis on guidance and counseling program implementation in Kenyan schools and a rapid increase in the number of trained school counselors, lack of standardized training curriculums, ethical standards, counseling models, and role ambiguity persist. This article reviews the historical development of guidance and counseling in Kenya, addresses current challenges, and discusses future prospects for the profession. The authors proposes a paradigm shift from the way guidance and counseling has been conducted in Kenyan schools for the past years and recommends the implementation of organized comprehensive guidance and counseling programs that addresses the needs of all students. Implications for the future training and practice of school counselors and are also addressed. Keywords: Guidance and Counseling, Historical perspectives, Challenges, Future prospects, Kenya