Royal Minds has officially opened nominations for the 5th Edition of the Guidance & Counselling Teachers’ National Forum & Excellence Awards 2026, a national initiative aimed at recognising outstanding contribution, innovation and leadership in school guidance and counselling across Kenya.
The annual forum and awards bring together Guidance & Counselling teachers, professional school counsellors, schools, and peer counselling programmes that have demonstrated measurable impact in promoting learner wellbeing, mental health, character formation and career guidance within learning institutions.
According to Royal Minds, the 2026 edition builds on the strong legacy set by the 2025 award winners and finalists and promises to be bigger and more impactful.
Organisers say the upcoming edition will feature enhanced professional learning, deeper national dialogue on learner wellbeing, wider participation and elevated recognition of excellence in school counselling.
“At the heart of this forum is the recognition that Guidance and counselling teachers are the backbone of safe, supportive and mentally healthy learning environments,” Royal Minds said in a statement.
“Their work restores hope, nurtures resilience, safeguards learners and shapes futures.”
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To meaningfully acknowledge this contribution, the 2026 awards will feature nationally recognised honours and cash prizes across all categories.
In each category, the first-place winner will receive a cash prize, trophy and certificate of recognition while the second and third-place finalists will receive cash prizes and certificates.
The top three finalists in every category will be celebrated during the Royal Minds Guidance & Counselling National Forum & Excellence Awards Ceremony scheduled for 21st February 2026.
Organisers say the event is designed not only as a competition but as a national affirmation of professionalism, dedication, innovation and impact in school counselling.
Nominations are open from 1st to 31st January 2026 with finalists set to be announced on 10th February 2026.
Eligible nominees include Guidance & Counselling teachers, professional school counsellors, schools, and peer counselling initiatives that demonstrate excellence and positive outcomes.
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Royal Minds describes the initiative as a teachers’ platform—for teachers, by teachers—providing space to recognise service, share best practices, learn collaboratively, and strengthen the community of counselling practitioners nationwide.
Interested candidates and institutions can submit nominations through an online form provided by Royal Minds.
For further information, Royal Minds can be contacted via +254 721 688 758, +254 717 325 170, or royalmindsconsultancy@gmail.com.
The 2026 forum and awards will be held under the theme of celebrating excellence, strengthening school counsellors and transforming learner wellbeing, reaffirming Royal Minds’ commitment to professional excellence in guidance and counselling.
By Mutuku Kimwele
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