KCA University announced a new Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology, aimed at training researchers and practitioners to meet Kenya’s rising mental‑health and psychosocial demands.

The programme was introduced at the “Accelerate! Postgraduate Students Networking Dinner” in Nairobi, an event organised by the university’s Board of Postgraduate Studies and attended by postgraduate students, senior university officials and faculty members.

Deputy Vice‑Chancellor for Teaching and Learning Prof. Renson Muchiri said the doctorate arrives as individuals, families and institutions confront increasingly complex mental‑health, relationship and workplace stress challenges.

He emphasized that a PhD is not merely an academic credential but a pathway to becoming a knowledge creator, critical thinker and leader capable of transforming practice and society.

The curriculum will prioritise research that tackles real‑world problems in Kenyan communities, delivering culturally relevant and evidence‑based solutions.

Faculty members Dr. Priscillah Gachigi, Dr. Susan Kimotho and Prof. Anne Kisilu led the programme’s development, with Prof. Muchiri representing Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Isaiah I.C. Wakindiki at the launch.

Under the university’s Accelerate Initiative, the scientific and ethics review committee will issue research ethics certificates within five working days, enabling swift applications for NACOSTI research permits.

Doctoral candidates will also gain library access to 33,000 open‑access publishing outlets, bi‑weekly research funding and conference grants, and may apply for the Vice‑Chancellor’s Innovation Fund for projects with IP potential.

Director of the Board of Postgraduate Studies Dr. Jackson Ndolo indicated that four doctoral candidates are slated to graduate at KCA University’s 21st graduation ceremony on 27 November 2026.

Guest speaker clinical psychologist Dr. Obadia Yator urged candidates to select research topics they are passionate about, collaborate closely with supervisors, safeguard originality and aim for early publication.