If you’re a budding counselor or psychologist in Kenya, you’re probably wondering how to get officially recognized and start practicing. Well, you’re in the right place! Let’s walk through the registration process with the Counsellors and Psychologists Board (CPB)—the official body that oversees our profession in Kenya.

Why Register?

First things first, why bother registering? Beyond the legal requirements, registration:

• Validates your qualifications: It shows you’ve met the professional standards set by the CPB.
• Builds trust: Clients and employers are more likely to trust and hire registered professionals.
• Keeps you updated: Being registered means you’re in the loop with the latest in the field, including mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities.

Who Needs to Register?

Whether you’re a recent graduate or have been practicing for years, if you’re offering counseling or psychological services in Kenya, registration is a must. This includes:

Foreign-trained professionals looking to practice in Kenya.

Counselors with a diploma or degree in counseling from a recognized institution.

Psychologists with a diploma or degree in psychology from a recognized university.

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Registration Process

Step 1: Prepare Necessary Documents

Before initiating the registration process, ensure you have the following:

• Certified Academic Certificates: Diploma or degree in counseling or psychology from a recognized institution.
• Certified Copy of National ID or Passport
• Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
• Proof of Payment: Registration fee of KES 5,000.

Step 2: Apply Online via eCitizen

• Visit the eCitizen portal.
• Sign in or create an account.
• Navigate to the Counsellors and Psychologists Board section.
• Fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
• Pay the required amount

Step 3: Await Approval

The CPB typically processes applications within 2-4 weeks. You’ll receive a notification regarding the status of your application via sms

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Licensing Process

After successful registration, obtaining a practicing license is mandatory.

Qualifications for Licensing:

• Registered as a counselor or psychologist.
• Compliance with prescribed requirements for continuing education and supervision.

Note: For the initial licensing phase, some requirements like CPD may be exempted. However, it’s essential to stay updated with the CPB’s latest guidelines.

License Fees Based on Qualification Level:

• Diploma Qualification: KES 3,000
• Bachelor’s Degree: KES 4,000
• Master’s Degree: KES 5,000
• Doctoral Qualification: KES 6,000

Payment Methods:

Same as registration—via ecitizen

Application Process:

• Log in to your eCitizen account.
• Navigate to the licensing section under the CPB.
• Fill out the licensing application form.
• Upload the necessary documents, including your registration certificate and proof of payment.
• You will be notified by SMS when the license is approved wich takes about 2 to 4 weeks

Licenses are renewed annually. Practicing without a valid license is an offense under Kenyan law.

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4. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

To maintain your license, you must engage in CPD activities:

• Requirement: 10 CPD points per year.
• Activities Include:
  • Workshops and seminars.
  • Supervised practice sessions.
  • Research and publication.
  • Teaching and mentorship roles.

Ensure you keep records of all CPD activities for submission during license renewal.

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5. Additional Resources

• Counsellors and Psychologists Board Website: cpb.health.go.ke
• eCitizen Portal: cprb.ecitizen.go.ke
• Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA): kcpa.or.ke

These requirements may change from the date of this publication but I went through it myself and it was smooth and painless.

Something to consider though is that once you get notification by sms that your license is approved and ready for collection you would be advised to call the offices of The Counsellors and Psychologists Board whose telephone number is 0748655769 so that they can have your license card printed and ready for collection. That way you wont have to wait while they print though to be honest it was not too long. Oh and dont forget to carry your ID they will ask for it.

What has been your experience with registering?