Challenges and solutions of guidance and counseling services in public primary schools of evurore division, Embu County, Kenya

The main aim of this research was to find out challenges of Guidance and Counseling (G&C) services in public primary schools and the way forwards in promoting G&C programs. Stratified and simple random sampling were used to select a sample for the study research. From the 10 schools sampled, 10 head teachers and 10 teacher counselors were automatically included in the research sample. Pupils were stratified as per class, and 5 pupils were selected in each class 6, 7 and 8 following simple random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires for pupils and interview guides for head teachers and teacher counselors. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, and presented using frequencies, means and percentages; while qualitative data were analyzed, categorized and presented in form of narratives and themes. From the findings, majority of the pupils perceive that G&C is relevant to them. There is need for the G&C programs in schools, and all school stakeholders should be part of it. Teacher counselors, on their part revealed that G&C molds pupils. Challenges like lacking resource materials, inadequate training of teacher counselors, lack of parental support, pupils fearing to be reported, and having negative attitudes towards counseling, teacher counselors having inadequate time, pupils not seeking G&C, insufficient funds to support the services, lack of proper trainings of teachers and the parents’ ignorance were identified. It was therefore recommended that there is need for full integration of G&C into the school curriculum, to conduct the same research study across the country with the participation of parents, guardians, and all stakeholders in learning institutions, and to research how the government can finance the development of G&C facilities in learning institutions.