African Values on Counselling and Psychotherapy and their Impact on Mental Health in Kenya. A Case of Universities and Hospitals in Nairobi

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https://doi.org/10.71064/spu.amjr.11.1.2026.534
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Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research

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Elisha Nyambori
St. Paul's University
Kevin Muriithi Ndereba
St. Paul's University
Ndung'ú Ikenye
St. Paul's University

Abstract

This study sought to interrogate the extent to which the African Values in relation to Counselling and Psychotherapy have impacted the victims of mental health as compared to Western counselling. Generally, mental health refers to how we think, feel, act, and interact with others, as well as how it relates to our ability to make choices and handle challenges that we may face. Counselling acts as a proactive and reactive measure that is aimed at addressing mental health issues. In Kenya, like in many parts of Africa, mental health has been relegated to the back, despite its significant social and economic implications. The objective of the study was to examine the extent to which African values regarding counselling and psychotherapy affect mental health. This study employs an experimental strategy and a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised counselling and psychology professionals drawn from both Public Hospitals and Public Universities within Nairobi, Kenya. A population of 200 respondents, drawn equally from both hospitals and universities, was targeted, with 100 from public hospitals and 100 from public universities. The study used Yamane’s formula to derive the sample size, which was estimated at 200, ultimately yielding 100 respondents per segment. Both genders of respondents were considered, but not equally represented. The quantitative data collected were analysed and interpreted using SPSS to present the outcomes as percentages and frequencies, while the qualitative data were analysed narratively. The study findings revealed that in the African context, traditional counseling enhances learning for the transformation and social integration of cultural values, customs, and practices that are peculiar to each community. Most concerns affecting an individual are initially dealt with at the family level. African culture has material and spiritual values that are peculiar and unique in relation to its approach to issues, values, and worldviews. Culturally, some forms of behaviour, actions, and conduct are approved, while others are widely disapproved of, depending on the extent of violations of values that should otherwise be held sacred. Therefore, the Afrocentric worldview is holistic, interdependent, and oriented to collective survival and is highly respectful of the role of elderly people in the family and community. The recommendations were that there was a need for a collaborative relationship between counsellor and client based on equality, mutual trust, liking, respect, and caring. The varied characteristics, cultural backgrounds, and values of the clients should be appreciated.  And that the understanding of African people in their environment, history, and culture demands that counseling approaches be based on the sensitivity of his/her personal history.

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How to Cite
African Values on Counselling and Psychotherapy and their Impact on Mental Health in Kenya. A Case of Universities and Hospitals in Nairobi . (2026). African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 11(1), 265-284. https://doi.org/10.71064/spu.amjr.11.1.2026.534

How to Cite

African Values on Counselling and Psychotherapy and their Impact on Mental Health in Kenya. A Case of Universities and Hospitals in Nairobi . (2026). African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 11(1), 265-284. https://doi.org/10.71064/spu.amjr.11.1.2026.534

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