In June 2025 the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) called on the Teachers Service Commission to deploy professional counselling psychologists in public schools. The association pointed to rising mental health challenges and drug use among learners.
What is being said
KCPA’s national chairperson, Prof Catherine Gachutha, argued that the current model, which relies mostly on teachers and educational psychologists, is not meeting the need. Learners may be dealing with trauma, conflict at home and unstable circumstances, and teachers given counselling duties are often also under pressure to deliver exam results. The association is working with NACADA and the Kenya Red Cross on a framework for mental health and suicide prevention, and on training community health promoters.
Why it matters for families
School is where many young people spend most of their day. When a child is struggling, a trained professional on site can notice earlier and refer sooner. Until that is in place, much of the support depends on parents and on private services.
What parents and learners can do now
Watch for changes such as withdrawal, falling grades, irritability, sleep problems or loss of interest. Talk without judgment, and ask for professional help early. Counselling can also help with study skills, exam stress and career choices, not only with emotional difficulty.
Take the next step
If something here sounds familiar, you do not have to work it out alone. You can try a private self-check test or schedule a call with Winfred. Calls and sessions are confidential, in person or online.
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