Social Work in Kenya: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

This paper discusses the current state of social work in Kenya paying particular attention to the social work education and training, practice and regulation. It describes the state of the education, practice and mechanisms in place to regulate the profession so far. Social work has a professional mandate to enhance the functioning of individuals and groups in society so that people’s well-being is assured. Social work as a profession has existed in Kenya for many years since it was imported by the Europeans. Over the years, many changes have taken place both in the political and socio-economic arena that necessitate the review of the role of social work. To meaningfully appraise this role, there is a need to assess the current status of social work training (education) and practice in Kenya. Also of great importance for review is the role played by social work in social development. Basically, education and training is important because it is the preparatory phase for social work practice. The extent to which professional social workers execute their mandates and roles in society is principally dependent on the adequacy and relevancy of the preparation they receive in terms of training and education. Therefore, this paper seeks out to assess the murky state of social work in Kenya and then propose the desirable state. Keywords: Social Work, Regulation, Credentialing, Licensing, Education