Dilemmas and Ethical Issues Faced by Counsellors Practicing in Rural Areas in Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this article is to determine dilemmas and ethical issues faced by counsellors practising in rural areas in Kenya. Counsellors practising in rural areas in Kenya face challenges that may seem unique in their efforts to practice ethically as trained and meet the needs of their clients and communities. A narrative review was conducted that identified a significant body of qualitative and theoretical literature that helped in highlighting the challenges faced by counsellors, as well as offering suggestions to minimise risks in their practice as they strive to practice ethical counselling that is most appropriate to the diverse rural area communities in Kenya. The study used face-to-face, on-site interviews with 10 Master's and 1 PhD graduates of guidance and counselling, practising in various parts of rural Kenya. The counsellors were interviewed by the researcher in Njoro, Naivasha, Kiambu and Lamurdiac. An open-ended questionnaire was also used; it was based on the research question and general themes that emerged from a review of the literature on ethical dilemmas of rural healthcare providers, especially in counselling. The challenges found include, but are not limited to, dealing with multiple relationships, working with limited resources, a lack of professional supervision and competency to deal with complex issues. They also experience isolation due to geographical location and professional isolation since they might be the only counsellors in the area. Kenya has diverse communities with different values and traditions. These challenges force the counsellors to continuously examine their own values in an attempt to balance their professional training, values and the reality on the ground.