National Guidance and Counseling

Association formed

By AMOS WAIGORO

A national Guidance, Counseling and Psychological Association has
been formed to serve as an umbrella organization for professional
practitioners in Kenya.
During the association’s first national conference held at Egerton
University recently, Professor Aggrey Sindabi of Egerton University
was elected the national chairman of the association.
Other national officials elected included Dr.Mary Kariuki (Egerton
University) secretary, Dr.Micah Chepchieng (Egerton University)
treasure, Ms Lucy Kung'u (United States of America International
University) vice-chairperson, Dr.Peter Odera Masinde Muliro University
of Science and Technology (MMUST) vice-secretary. Representatives from
other universities and the ministry of public service and tertiary
institutions will also serve in the national office of the new
association.
Speaking to the media, Prof. Sindabi said the aim of the conference
that attracted over 200 participants and invited guests was to launch
a national Guidance and Counseling Association to enhance holistic
human adjustment and development in Kenyan contemporary society.
Documents from the conference proceedings indicated that the
objectives of the event were to:
-Create a forum for professional councilors from universities and
related institutions in order to deliberate on issues pertaining to
the profession in Kenya in the 21st century.
- Form a national association for professionally trained counselors
and within it a regulatory council to formulate and enhance relevant
policies for appropriate guidance and counseling standards and to form
a code of professional conduct in the practice.
-To establish a secretariat for the association.
The don added that the association would initiate a scholarly journal
to be published regularly to provide a medium and forum for
dissemination and exchange of ideas and knowledge in the field. “This
will enhance the development of guidance and counseling profession” He
said.
Guest speakers in the conference included the National Commission
Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) chairman Dr. Frank Njenga,Dr .Gladys Mwiti
and Prof. Freida Brown the Vice -chancellor of USIU.
The speakers presented papers on issues like; the status of mental
health in Kenya and its implications for counseling ,ethics and
professionalism in the practice of guidance and counseling, counseling
in a developing nation and challenges of youths in society and its
implications for counseling.
The NACADA Chairman cautioned parents and teachers to understand that
technological advancements affect communication to children.
He said multimedia and social networks have influenced the behaviors
of young people hence calls for advanced guidance and counseling
standards to be formulated.