Orphans face social and psychological challenges in adjustment to daily life. These challenges affect learning process and interpersonal relationships. The study examined role of guidance and counselling services in psychosocial adjustment of orphaned pupils in primary schools in Bahati, Nakuru Kenya. The study employed survey research. Accessible population was 514 orphans and sample included 220 orphans from 10 schools. Reliability of study instruments was 0.7 Cronbachs Alpha. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics with aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS); version 17.0 for windows. Study indicated that majority of teacher counselors had challenges in helping orphans adjust appropriately. Professional qualifications of teacher counsellors were inadequate for handling complicated pupils psychosocial problems and few orphans benefited from counselling services offered at schools. Study recommended professional counsellors involvement with issues affecting pupils in schools. Guidance and counselling services needed strengthening and there required needs assessment in order to design relevant and efficient guidance and counseling services in schools.

Nancy N. Munyori is qualified counsellor and teacher. She has Med. G/CS Degree from Egerton University and Bed/CS Degree from Kenya Methodist University. She has worked as associate faculty with Egerton University teaching counselling courses. She now works as lecturer and Counselling psychology Coordinator at Mount Kenya University Nakuru Campus