Effectiveness of counselling services in Kenyan universities: a case of university of Kabianga

Abstract

Kenyan universities are diverse and complex societies. They absorb students from diverse socio-economic, political, religious, culturally and morally oriented background among many. Although counselling is offered at the university, these students are faced with complex noticeable problems as they struggle to balance between academic, personal/social, vocational and career developments. The concern of this study was to investigate effectiveness of counselling services at University of Kabianga, main campus. The study specifically sought to determine the counselling services offered , qualification levels of counsellors, counselling skills of peer counsellors, counselling facilities and suggest ways of improving counselling at university of Kabianga. The researcher employed a case study design. The study established that educational, social, personal and vocational counselling was perceived to be effective. The quality of counselling services at the university was satisfactory and provided by a qualified counsellor. The study further established that peer counsellors had the requisite skills and training in counselling. However the study established that counselling offices and other counselling materials were not adequate. Counsellors were not adequate, and materials/ facilities required in counselling were inadequate. Among the recommendations the study made was: more counsellors need to be recruited by the university to match the student population, and peer counselling needs to be strengthened.