An exploration of nature of guidance and counseling services in selected secondary schools in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the nature of Guidance and Counselling services in secondary schools based on a survey conducted in Eldoret Municipality of Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study specifically looked into areas that ranged from the issues for which students sought Guidance and Counselling, to whether the units enjoyed administrative support or not. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design. The target population was all secondary schools in the Municipality where a sample was obtained by both random and stratified sampling techniques. A total of 204 secondary school students (103 girls and 101 boys), from nine secondary schools, 41 teachers (14 male and 27 female) and the officer in Charge of Guidance and Counselling in the District constituted the sample. All categories of schools were considered, that is, boarding and day; single sex and co-educational; public and private. The research methodology for the study involved the use of structured questionnaires (open- and closed-ended) to collect the data. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical techniques for analysis and interpretation. The study findings revealed that lack of physical and human resources characterized the nature of Guidance and Counselling services in the area. The services delivered, within these units were also varied. Although most schools tried to adhere to the objectives of Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MOEST) in their service provision, most teachers including the head teachers were not aware of the MOEST guidelines. It is thus recommended that the MOEST should have a revised Guidance and Counselling curriculum, which should be followed by all schools. More teachers should also be trained in Guidance and Counselling and more than one posted per school.