Role of Peer Counseling on the Relationship between Prefects and the Students’ body in public Secondary schools in Migori Sub-county, Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

This study was focused on the impact of peer counseling on the relationship between prefects and the students’ body in public Secondary Schools in Migori district. Despite the significant role that peer counseling plays in enhancing healthy relationships through peer support, there has been persistent conflict, resentment and harassment of prefects by the student’s body. Specifically, the study sought to assess the role of peer counseling on the relationship between prefects and the students’ body. To achieve this objective, a descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The population targeted were the prefects and the form three students in these schools. Simple random sampling technique was employed in this study. Data was collected using questionnaires. The study employed the test retest method to do a pilot study in 3 schools that was not part of the sample used in the final data collection. Cronbach's alpha was used to measure internal consistency ("reliability") of the instrument the r value of 0.72 was realized, hence reliable. The study interviewed 76 students, 74 prefects and 7 heads of guidance and counseling department. The study established that peer counseling is beneficial in nurturing healthy relationship between prefects and the students’ body, yet in its present form is less effective. The study also revealed that, there is antagonism between prefects and the students they lead. The study recommended that the guidance and counseling department should be more vibrant in enhancing peer counseling in their schools and addressing issues in a timely manner in Secondary schools in Kenya.