The study sought to examine the the challenges facing the implementation of guidance and counselling programs and opportunities in public secondary schools in Kakamega County. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study population was 417 schools. The respondents included principals, teachers, and education officers, members of the Boards of management, support staff and students. Both probability and non-probability sampling designs were used as well as primary and secondary data collection techniques. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used as tools for data collection. Quantitative data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Research findings were presented in tables, graphs, and charts. The study found out that challenges that impact guidance and counselling include unconducive G&C environment, insufficient funds for the G&C programs, and lack of sufficient resources to support G&C programs. The study also found that emerging complexities such as technology and COVID-19 has had a drastic impact on guidance and counselling. However, schools can take advantage of some available opportunities such as peer counselling programs and training more teachers in guidance and counselling to ease the pressure on the few G&C teachers.

Keywords : Challenges, Implementation, Guidance and Counselling Programs, Opportunities, Public Secondary Schools