Evaluation of Premarital Counselling Programs Towards Development of Premarital Counselling Model: A Case of Kiambu and Nairobi Counties, Kenya

Abstract

The study evaluated the effectiveness of home grown PMC programs with the aim of developing a contextually suitable premarital counselling model. Guided by a qualitative constructivist grounded theory specially the Charmaz approach, the research identified underlying patterns, shared meanings, and thematic structures through systematic data comparison, organization, and analysis. Participants’ lived experiences constituted the primary data source for constructing the model, allowing for an in-depth understanding of premarital counselling practices within the local context. The sample population was selected using convenience sampling and comprised a total of 36 participants. This included 20 married individuals married for 15 to 30 years, 4 clergy drawn from selected churches in Kiambu and Nairobi Counties, and 12 mental health practitioners affiliated with the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA). The use of convenience sampling permitted the inclusion of participants with appropriate experiential and professional knowledge in PMC, thereby enriching the quality and depth of the data. The study addressed four key objectives: identifying appropriate PMC content, determining effective interventions and delivery processes, establishing culturally relevant factors for inclusion, and defining the professional competencies and qualifications required of premarital counsellors. Data were collected using questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Reliability was ensured through pilot testing involving 10% of the target population including two counsellors from KCPA, two beneficiaries from PCEA Kirigiti church, and one clergy from Loresho PCEA church. Also, validity was enhanced through data triangulation, systematic data recording, and rigorous data organization and analysis procedures. The study outcomes established that effective PMC programs require comprehensive and structured content. Interactive, structured, and skills-based interventions were found to be more effective than purely didactic methods in enabling meaningful learning and behavioural change among couples. Besides, cultural factors including family expectations, gender roles, spirituality, and community influence emerged as critical modules that must be integrated into PMC programs to ensure contextual relevanc within the African setting. The study also established that practitioner competence, including formal training, professional credentialing, and cultural competemility, is essential for the effective delivery of PMC services. Eventually, the study developed Ubuntu Integrative PMC model suitable for both scholarly and clinical application. The findings underscore the need for institutions, counsellors, and clergy to adopt culturally responsive and evidence-based PMC approaches that align with local realities. The study further advocates for the standardization of training and credentialing frameworks for PMC specialists. Largely, the advanced model offers a practical framework for enhancing premarital preparation, thereby contributing to improved marital welfare.