INFLUENCE OF CAREER GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SERVICE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KITUI WEST SUB-COUNTRY KITUI COUNTY, KENYA

<p>This study sought to investigate influence of career guidance and counselling services on academic performance of secondary school students in Kitui West Sub-county Kitui County. A descriptive survey research design was employed in the study. The population of the study was 33 principals, 33 heads of guidance and counselling departments and all 7903 students in 33 public secondary schools in Kitui West Sub-county. The sample consisted of 16 schools, 16 principals, 16 guidance and counselling heads of departments, and 381 students. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The null hypothesis was tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 0.05 level of significance. The study found that career guidance and counselling services demonstrated a positive significant influence on academic performance (f = 15.179, p≤0.00), with students achieving higher grades benefiting more from those services. The study recommended that Schools should enhance career guidance and counselling services by developing initiatives that specifically target combating career stereotyping. The findings of this study may be of significance to teacher counsellors, teachers, students, school administrators and entire community because they may provide information on how career guidance and counselling services can be used effectively to improve academic performance among secondary school students.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0719/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>