Ongwae - A Study of The Causes and Effects of Drug and Substance Abuse Among Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Starehe Sub County, Nairobi County
Ongwae - A Study of The Causes and Effects of Drug and Substance Abuse Among Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Starehe Sub County, Nairobi County
COUNTY
BY
2016
DECLARATION
This research project is my original work and has not been presented for award of
Signature…………………………………… Date…………………………….
Reg.No: E56/75234/2012
This research project report has been submitted with my approval as the university
supervisor.
Signature…………………………………… Date…………………………….
Senior Lecturer
University of Nairobi
ii
DEDICATION
iii
ACKNOWLEGEMENTS
First and foremost, I give thanks to the Almighty God for enabling me to complete
this project. I also sincerely thank my supervisor Dr. Lewis Muli Ngesu for his
children, Polcyarp Momanyi and Clifford Mouko for their patience while carrying out
the research.
colleagues also encouraged me. I also thank Gladwell Gichuki who took her time to
type my work and make sure that it was up to the approved standards.
Thank you all and may the Almighty God bless you abundantly.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ..................................................................................................... ii
ACKNOWLEGEMENTS ...................................................................................... iv
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................ xi
2.1Introduction ........................................................................................................ 10
v
2.5 Influence of Location of Schools on Prevalence of Drug and Substance Abuse
vi
CHAPTER FOUR:DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION ...
.............................................................................................................................. 36
4.3 Influence of parents sources of income on the prevalence of drug and substance
4.6 Influence of Peer Pressure on Drug Abuse among Secondary Students .............. 39
4.8 Learners’ awareness of the causes and effects of drug abuse .............................. 41
4.10 Teachers who have undergone in-service training in guidance and counselling 43
.............................................................................................................................. 45
5.3.1. On how parent’s sources of income influence the prevalence of drug and
5.3.2 On how location of schools influence the prevalence of drug and substance
abuse. .................................................................................................................. 46
vii
5.3.4 How Peer Pressure Influence Drug Abuse among Secondary School Students.
............................................................................................................................ 46
5.4 Conclusion......................................................................................................... 47
5.5. Recommendations............................................................................................. 47
REFERENCES ...................................................................................................... 48
APPENDICES ....................................................................................................... 53
viii
LIST OF TABLES
Substance Abuse...................................................................................................... 38
Table 4.3: Measures taken to curb Drug and Substance Abuse ............................... 42
ix
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 4.1: Causes of drug abuse for students in rural or urban set ups ..................... 38
Figure 4.2: Relationship between school administration and drug abuse .................. 39
Figure 4.5: Learners’ awareness of the causes and effects of drug abuse .................. 41
Figure 4.6: Responses on whether teachers have undergone training in guidance and
counselling .............................................................................................................. 43
Figure 4.7: Challenges encountered while addressing drug abuse related problems in
schools .................................................................................................................... 44
x
ABSTRACT
Drug and Substance Abuse has been talked about worldwide and Kenya is part of that
globe. Teachers, parents, church officials and other stakeholders have been at the
forefront trying to find out the causes and ways of controlling it. Therefore, there is a
need to curb this vice. This study aimed at finding out what makes students abuse
drugs and the effects that arise out of this practice with reference to Starehe Sub-
County, Nairobi. The study also suggested measures that can be taken to control drug
and substance abuse. The study was guided by the following objectives; to establish
the extent to which parent’s sources of income influence the prevalence of drug and
substance abuse; determine how location of schools influence the prevalence of drug
and substance abuse; establish the extent to which school administration influences
the prevalence of drug and substance abuse; establish how peer pressure influences
abuse; investigate how drug abuse among secondary school students determine their
academic achievement. The target population was 6 secondary schools. The sample
consisted of two hundred and sixty-eight students, six guidance and counselling
teachers and six principals. Simple random sampling was used to select the students.
Data was collected using questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software programme and presented
using both qualitative and descriptive methods such as frequencies and percentages
and presented as tables and figures. It was established that most students are driven
into taking drugs by peer pressure. Poor performance is the greatest effect of drug
abuse among drug taking students. The researcher recommended that all stakeholders
be involved in curriculum review and reform to address drug abuse related issues and
guidance and counselling sessions enhanced in changing student behaviour.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
The term drug is defined as any substance that when absorbed into a living organism
may modify one or more of its physiological functions. The term is generally used in
reference to a substance taken for both therapeutic purpose and abused substances
(Kwamanga, Odhiambo & Amukoye, 2003). Globally and even regionally, drug and
drug and substance use; with varying preference rates found for both overall and
specific drug abuse (Abdulkarim, 2005). Some of these commonly abused substances
include tobacco, Miraa (khat), bhang, alcohol, cocaine, mandrax and heroine
(NACADA, 2006).
Drugs pose a very big problem in the world today and it is ruining the lives of many
millions of people both in adolescent and general population. The use of illegal drugs
has spread at a high rate and has penetrated every part of the world. No nation has
been spared from the devastating problem caused by drugs and substance abuse.
Kenya has not been spared either and in most cases it has been as a transit point of
hard drugs especially through Nairobi and Mombasa. Trafficking of hard drugs into
developing countries has not spared Kenya the drug consumption and dependence
among secondary and college students and has led to unrest and consequently wide
ranging destruction of life and property (Ngesu, Ndiku & Masese, 2008).Factors
influencing students to drug use have been identified among them parental influence
whereby it has been noted that children from homes where parents take drugs tend to
1
imitate their parents’ behaviors and by modeling they also start using drugs (Ngesu,
et al 2008).
School factors can also influence students to drug use (Ngesu et al: 2008). How the
school administration manages students’ affairs may lead to drug abuse, high
handedness, lack of freedom and failure to address them generally creates stress
across all continents in the world and throughout time, drug abuse among both the
It appears that drug abuse affects behavior and its effects on secondary school
students whose prevalence was assessed in this study, is a worldwide problem with
no exception of Kenyan secondary students. Use of drugs has led to many health
The youth experience many special problems and considerations. This is the period
physical change, competition in school and life in general, generation gap, unjust and
cruel world among other problems. Psychologically, the adolescents have serious
their family. Sexual identification; societal and vocational; role identification and
negotiating issues of authority power and independence are primary (Oketch, 2008).
A report by United Nation Drug Control Programme (UNDCP, 1998) shows that
60% of student’s abuse drugs. A survey by National Council Against Drug Abuse
(NACADA, 2006) shows that substance abuse is widespread. It affects the youth
mostly although it cuts across all social groups. Many young people especially the
2
unemployed have resulted to using drugs like heroin and cocaine which are
injectables. This has been a major contributor to the spread of HIV/AIDS due to the
fact that they share syringes. Other drugs like alcohol can lead to risky sexual
behavior as they affect judgment and decision making. A drunkard is unable to assert
Research findings indicate that there is a direct linkage between drug and substance
abuse and HIV and AIDS prevalence (NACADA, 2006). According to Siringi and
Waihenya (2001), 22% of secondary school students are on drugs and it has been
found out that males have high exposure to miraa and inhalants than females. Poverty
also encourages drug use among students due to absenteeism and idleness (Adelekan
1998). As a result of lack of school fees, with availability of and access to drugs in
the village kiosks the idleness may in one way or another encourage high prevalence
of drug use among students aged 14-24 years old. This study therefore investigated
the causes and effects of drug and substance abuse among secondary school students
It is evident that drug use and abuse is still a problem in Kenyan secondary schools
despite the various measures taken to curb it. Drug abuse menace has strangled
youthful population both secondary school students and non-students reducing them
to dummies, zombies and drooling figures as well as wasting their lives at the age
which they are most needed in society (Ngesu, et al 2008). Although the youth have
been educated on the dangers of the drug abuse, most of the secondary school
students have little or no knowledge of how dangerous the vice is (Ngesu et al 2008).
3
Although students are expected to be aware of the effects of drug abuse and commit
Drug and substance abuse lead to many problems in schools especially strikes which
are normally experienced in schools although many people attribute the strikes to
school mocks especially in the second term of the academic calendar. Some of the
known incidents include those at Nyeri High School where prefects were burnt in the
dormitory, Kyanguli secondary where many boys were killed. It is possible that
students who abuse drugs while in school play a big role in influencing acts like
have not effectively led to the desired results of curbing the menace of drug and
substance abuse in Kenyan secondary schools. This is because apart from the youth
facing a lot of challenges as individuals, the family and society including the church
and school have not come out wholly to initiate methods of helping the youngsters.
There is always a conflict of interest on who has the upper hand in helping the youth.
It was against this background that this study investigated the causes and effects of
drug abuse among secondary school students in Starehe Sub County, Nairobi County
The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes and effects of drug and
substance abuse among secondary school students in Starehe Sub County, Nairobi
County.
4
1.4 Objectives of the Study
drug and substance abuse among secondary school students in Starehe Sub
County.
iv) To establish how peer pressure influences drug and substance abuse among
County?
ii) To what extent does location of schools influence the prevalence of drug and
iii) To what extent does school administration influence the prevalence of drug
County?
5
iv) How does peer pressure influence them on drug and substance abuse among
This study sought to generate useful data on the causes and impact of drugs abuse on
education in Kenya. Therefore, the findings of this study may be useful in several,
ways: The Ministry of Education (MOE) may use the study findings to find out ways
schools, promotion of awareness on the dangers of drugs and how they affect an
The government may put in modalities of strengthening the guidance and counseling
department in schools through taking the teachers for service teacher training courses.
The findings may also be used to advocate that campaigns against substance use
the substance use. Ultimately, the society will benefit from the findings of this study
in creating a drug free society for social, economic and political development in line
with sustainable development goals. The school principals may assist the students in
identifying the sources of drugs so that they can take remedial measures. The
The data collection technique was mainly the use of questionnaires which were used
to obtain data from the respondents. There were chances that some respondents might
have been unwilling to respond to the questionnaires. The researcher also narrowed
6
down the research objectives to five factors which might, have been conclusive
evidence as there are many other factors which are beyond the control of the
There were a lot of funds needed to carry out a research so the researcher required a
lot of money to research on the causes and effects of drug and substance abuse among
The study was limited to selected public secondary schools in Starehe Sub County.
The findings in the study were used to generalize the percentage of students who
The study assumed that the respondents were honest, truthful and willing to give
correct answers. The reasons for students’ high prevalence of drug abuse were also
stated in the objectives of the study. Other factors had no negligible influence on the
frequency of drug abuse among students. The researcher assumed that school
principals would allow guidance and counseling teachers and students to participate
and give correct data during the research. It was also assumed that drug abuse
7
1.10 Operational definition of Terms
Drug: Refers to any chemical substance which when taken into the
Drug misuse: Refers to the usage of any drug for any other purpose other than
Drug abuse: Refers to excessive illegal drug use and/ or legal drug use
Drug dependence: Refers to repeated drug taking that usually results in tolerance,
Parental influence: Refers to the role played by parents into the students’ drug use
or against it.
Adolescent: Refers to a boy or girl between the ages of eleven and nineteen
population.
8
School administration: Refers to managerial set ups in schools that may
9
CHAPTER TWO
2.1 Introduction
This chapter reviewed literature related to the topic under the following subheadings:
drug and substance abuse from a global perspective, causes and manifestations of
schools on prevalence of drug and substance abuse among secondary school students,
Drugs are said to be as old as man himself. Use and abuse of drugs had had a long
history in many cultures and societies (Musk& De Klerk 2003). Natural plants like
opium, coca and cannabis among others have been in use for many years.
Priests in religious ceremonies have used cannabis, healers have used opium for
medicinal purposes and the general population has used nicotine and caffeine in
socially approved ways. In Colonial America alcohol was not only widely available as
a beverage but also served as value remedy for many medicinal purposes. The Incas
of South America took cocaine which had a central role in their religious and social
(Wolmer, 1990). Immigrant Mexican laborers introduced marijuana during the 1920s
to the South Western United States. During the Vietnam War, a high rate of heroin
use by American military personnel occurred due to the almost pure supply of
10
inexpensive heroin in Southeast Asia. All alcoholic beverages contain the same active
ingredient ethyl alcohol or ethanol’. Ethanol’s % ranges from low levels around 3% to
4% in beer, 12% to 14% for wines, 45% to 50% for distilled spirits such as liquor.
The earlier man explored the properties of every plant, fruit, root and nut he would
pharmacological effects due to the experiences that were new and also by a particular
group’s pattern of living. In one territory a substance might be used as a love portion,
By 20thcentury mass addiction had spread to other countries including the US.
Poverty, crime and disorderly public conduct created by excessive use of alcohol led
to reform movements for example the American Temperance Society in 1833. Some
substance abuse may have been the effect rather than the cause of poverty and
oppression. Thomas Szass, a prominent Psychiatrist and critic of many social policies
restricting choice contended that drugs served as a convenient scapegoat for the social
proposed for use as therapeutic compounds for restoration of health. Later the
administration were devised which favor most rapid transport of central nervous
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The global context in the use of drugs indicates the erosion of traditional theoretical
boundaries which also affect the beliefs, value systems and perceptions towards use
of drugs (Gakuru, 2012). The issue of drug and substance abuse is a major headache
to societies and authorities from the cities of North America, Latin America and Asia
Psychoactive substances pose a significant threat to the health, social and economic
status of families, communities and nations. The number of drug users especially
alcohol are aged between 15 and 29. These die from alcohol-related cases resulting in
9% of all deaths. 15.3 persons have been associated with drug use and injecting drug
use reported in 148 countries of which 120 report HIV infection among this
population (WHO report, 2012). It is estimated that 10% of the adult population of
opium, the samples used by drug abusers can vary from 2.6% to 9.9% (Kalant,
1977).
In Africa, youth and adults, rich and poor, rural and urban people abuse drugs
(United Nations Drug Control Program, 1998). They add that drug abuse is more
common among men than women but the situation is changing rapidly as substance
abuse among women is less visible and more private. It is noted that beer is preferred
people and those with low illness. Liquor is preferred by males, heavier drinkers, less
educated people, middle aged and older people and those who are at a higher risk for
major diseases.
12
Over the recent years many African countries including Kenya, have had an upsurge
in the production, distribution and consumption of drugs and substances with the
youth mostly affected. Many of these countries have become markets for drugs as a
result of the activities of organization and individual traffickers who use Africa as a
transit points in their trade with the countries in the North (Affinith, 2002).
The drug problem has resulted in Africa countries developing their own drug control
policies. Many have adopted anti-drug laws or legislation or established drug control
Conventions (UNDC), United Nations Office on Drug and related Crime (UNODC)
against Drug Abuse (NACADA) was established in Kenya in 2000 with the mandate
to look into the issues of drug use and abuse in the country.
In Kenya, drug and substance abuse had not been given much thought until the
1990s. This was probably because the vice was not considered a major problem
among the people of Kenya. The youth were not being given the facts about drug and
substance abuse because people are always afraid of talking about such things.
Recent evidence shows that a number of students and non-students abuse substances,
the majority of the students being in secondary and tertiary institutions (NACADA,
2006).
The most commonly abused drugs in Kenyan Secondary schools are tobacco, khat,
quite alarming (Edward & Anif, 1990). The non-medical use of drugs is increasingly
seen rightly or wrongly as a major social and public health problem in Kenya when
13
affects not only the users and abusers themselves but also their families as a whole
(Mauri and Acuda, 1983). There are many bhang plantations that continue to thrive
in Mt. Kenya and Western regions. Miraa is a multibillion shifting legal drug
Prescription drugs are also abused nearly by those who have access to them like
not wish to have their illness known to other persons including doctors but they have
In Kenya, alcohol and diverse types of substances that are permitted or prohibited by
law are readily available to adults and to a growing number of young people, both
preliminary survey was conducted among secondary school students in Kenya and
the results confirmed that drug abuse was quite prevalent among secondary school
students. The study also revealed that the problem was more acute in urban schools
Nairobi and Mombasa are notoriously known for being transit routes for illegal
substances (Aden, 2006). Drug abuse is widely spread used in Nairobi. An example is
in the year 2000 in which many Kenyans about 130 died at Mukuru kwa Njenga and
Mukuru Kayaba. Many went blind and hundreds others were hospitalized after
consuming illegal brewed poisonous liquor called kurni kumi containing methanol
and other additives such as car battery acid and formalin. In Kenyan streets, many
street boys and girls can be found sniffing many kinds of inhalants like cobbler’s glue,
petrol and other substances. This is the way these children express frustration,
14
therefore rampant in Nairobi. The assumption is therefore, that in Starehe District,
drug and substance abuse is rampant just like in the other parts of Nairobi.
Teachers and students attribute drug and substance abuse to peer pressure, social
occasions, personal problems and curiosity. Peer pressure and curiosity are the
leading forces behind drug and substance abuse among others (NACADA, 2006).
Peer Pressure
A friend or peer group is likely to be the source of information for drug users about
the availability of drugs and the alleged effects (Ngesu et al; 2008). The interest and
expectation of the peer groups have an important bearing-on whether or not a person
Many scientists have come up with several explanations as to why individuals first
become involved with drugs and then move on to abuse (Van Atta & New mark,
2005). One of these explanations is that starting to abuse a drug may lead to
affiliation with more drug abusing peers which, in turn, exposes the individual to
other drugs. Association with drug-abusing peers is often the most immediate risk for
Individuals associate with peers who share social definitions favorable to the
performance of certain activities the individuals are likely to engage in. Drug and
substance abusers like other non-users will always want to seek approval from their
peers. Peer pressure accounts for 21%to 42% influence in all types influence in all
types of drugs and substances consumed. The peer subculture also facilitates the
15
and instructions (NACADA, 2006).
On the other hand, a child who comes from an environment where there are no drug-
abusing peers and strong anti-drug norms, that child is less likely to become a drug
setting show that aggressive behavior in boys and learning difficulties in girls are the
primary causes of poor peer relationships (Elizabeth, Susan & Suman, 2003). Studies
have shown that children with poor academic performance and inappropriate social
behavior at ages 7 to 9 are more likely to be involved with substance abuse by age 14
Peers play a major role in initial drugs use in the non-socialized youth, in the
contemporary culture. Through peers, illegal drugs are made available since these
drugs can seldom be purchased through ordinary means (Gorsuch & Butler, 1976).
The peer group may either supply the drug directly or provide information on
obtaining it. Having a large number of drug using friends means that the non-
socialized individual has ready access to drugs. The non-socialized youth has no'
internal drive to say no. This gives the peer group a strong predictive strength of
prevalence of initial drug use among non-socialized youth. The peer group may also
provide models for drug usage, teaching its members when, where and how to use
the drugs. The impact of the peer group will differ for different age groups as a
function of the amount of time spent within that group and the extent to which it is
free of external controls. Adolescents often function without supervision hence the
Many people begin taking drugs at adolescence, a stage of transition from childhood
16
special problems. It is described as a period of ‘storm’ and ‘stress’, a time of self-
discovery and self-assertion. This is the stage the youth tend to experiment a lot
not come as a surprise that many young persons will wish to try some drugs in order
Research has shown that placing high-risk youth in a poor group intervention can
result in negative outcomes. (Dishion, Kavanagh, Welson & Kaufman, 2002). It will
explore the role that adults and positive peers can play in order to suggest ways of
helping to avoid such outcomes in future peer group drug abuse interventions.
Social occasions
Social occasions account for 35.4% of the reasons for taking alcohol. It mainly affects
alcohol drinkers. It is argued that this is due to esteem that most societies associate
with taking alcohol at party time. Social occasions also explain reasons for taking
other drugs and substances that are abused at a lower magnitude especially among the
youth.
Pudo (1998) noted that children from homes whose parents take drugs tend to
imitate the behavior of their parents by taking illegal drugs. Parental drug behavior,
parental attitude about drugs and substances and various aspects of parent child
17
There are many consequences of drug abuse in our homes, schools and communities
(Elizabeth et al, 2003). Children’s earliest interactions occur within the family
whereby by it is the first to socialize the children. It has been noted that children
from a high social economic background will go to school early and their parents
also have a high income. Therefore, it is hard to find them idle. On the other hand,
children from low social economic background whose parents have low income are
likely to engage in drugs at an early stage e.g brewing of chang’aa and other illicit
2000). Parents can serve a protective faction when there is a strong bond between
parenting which meets financial, emotional, and clear limits and consistent
enforcement of discipline. Children from poor families have access to chief drugs
like liquor therefore making them vulnerable. Divorce or change of economic status
from high to low is also likely to effect negatively on children especially the
adolescents. This is the period they experience a lot of vulnerability for problem
In a research conducted in Kisumu town, Kenya, students from low social economic
class areas that are slums of the town were more involved in drug abuse compared to
those from high social economic class areas of the town. Family influence has also
been shown to have an influence on drug abuse (Otieno & Ofulla, 2009).
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During this period also majority of students are adolescents, a stage of transition
self-assertion and youth tend to experiment a lot. If therefore parents do not advice
and take care of them, chances of getting lost are very high (Oketch, 1997).
Students spend most of their time in school therefore there are a lot of things either
positive or negative that can take place within a given school environment. They
interact with other students, workers, teachers among others. If drug availability,
becomes a risk that can influence young people to start to abuse drugs (Otieno &
Ofulla, 2009). The influence normally comes by the place the drugs are offered. Such
The students in towns are more likely to abuse drugs and other substances as
compared to those in the rural areas as noted by (Otieno, et al 2009). They risk
having tasted khat (miraa), bhang, alcohol, tobacco and inhalants which include glue.
The same youth in towns have a different lifestyle as compared to the rural youth.
Those in towns are outgoing and like partying a lot so they are more predisposed to
drugs as compared to those in rural areas as drugs are more available in urban areas
as opposed to the availability in rural areas. (Merton & Nisbet, 1971) note that
people use illegal drugs because of their ready availability and promotion of interests
of those who are in a position to benefit financially from their sale. Bus stops and
schools within town centers are the best known dens of drug taking.
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Many researchers have also shown that early initiation to drug abuse is associated
with greater drug involvement whether with the same or different drugs (Nnaji,
2000). Many youths do not progress to abusing other drugs but for those who do,
their drug abuse histories can vary by neighborhood drug availability and other
characteristics of the abuser population. The pattern of abuses associated with' levels
of social disapproval, perceived risk and the availability of drugs in the community.
As children enter high school, they are exposed to greater availability of drugs, drug
These challenges increase the drug abuse risks. Kenyan youth face the greatest risk
as they are easy targets for recruitment into the abuse of the drugs by drug barons
because the youth are vulnerable as this a period of many challenges as they seek for
peer identification and individualization from the family. It is clear that the youth
Even when children are outside its setting, the family has an important role to play in
pondering for children (Nelson & Kaufman, 2002). The family protective factors for
children outside the family are: age, appropriate parental monitoring of social
outside the home, knowing the child’s friends and enforcing household rules, success
20
2.6 Influence of School Administration on Prevalence of Drug and Substance
Key risk periods for drug abuse occur during major transitions in children’s life. The
first major transition for children occurs when they leave home and enter elementary
school. As they move on to join middle or junior high school, they experience new
academic and social situations such as learning to get along with a wider group of
peers and having greater expectation for academic performance. (Sussman, Dent &
Stacy, 2002).
During the adolescence stage, they are likely to start abusing drugs for the first time.
As they approach late adolescence most of them leave their homes for the first time
either to join high school or tertiary institutions. This time there is no parental
supervision. Out there may face many additional challenges which include social,
availability of drugs, drug abusers, the social engagements involving drugs (Sussman
et al 2002). These challenges are likely to increase the drug abuse factors and they
There are also other drug abuse factors that relate to children’s relationships in school
settings with their peers and teachers (Nelson & Kaufman, 2002). Some of these risk
and poor social coping skills which may lead to the problem of drug abuse (Dishion
et al, 2002). Kingala (2000), notes that in Kenya majority of the students start taking
drugs at school. He also notes that the way the school administration manages
student’s affairs may lead to drug use, high handedness, harsh treatment, lack of
freedom and students’ failure to have their grievances addressed creates stress which
21
Past researchers have suggested that different drug abuse prevention intervention
relationships, self-control, coping skills, social behaviors and drug offer refusal skills.
This study also aims at adding suggestions on how to integrate school-based drug
abuse intervention and prevention programs to the normal school curriculum so that
the students’ bonding in the school is strengthened and help in reducing the dropout
Once drugs are taken by means like through injecting, sniffing or chewing, they enter
the blood stream and move straight to the brain. They affect the brain making it hard
to perform its normal functions (NACADA 2006). Many drugs depress the brain by:
Making the user less restrained, more relaxed, at first feels free, easy and gay.
This is because inhibitions which usually guard behavior are released at this
time
Affecting the motor functions of the body. The person wobbles, staggers, is
unable to work, has slurred and heavy speech and has double vision.
Slowing down the brain area that controls judgment and thought, like
decisions. The person might even kill without being aware of their actions.
Drug and substance abuse is associated with very many problems which include
health related problems, violence, truancy, family break ups. Alcohol abuse is
associated with poor health, reduced productivity, violence, spread of STD’s and
22
HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, road accidents, child abuse and neglect among other
People, who abuse tobacco suffers from different cancers like cancer of the mouth,
throat (NACADA, 2006). Marijuana use can cause memory lapse and also lead to
decreased physical endurance (Wagner, 1984). Liver, lung, heart diseases, vitamin
deficiencies and brain damage are some of the many complications that occur due to ,
drug use and dependence (Musk et al; 2003). Taking drugs especially during
Drug abuse is now a major public health problem in many parts of the world. It is
accompanied by drug dependence. Drug abuse is very harmful because the abusers
Heroin causes physical dependence on the drug such that a person cannot do without
it once he is used to it. It also causes tolerance such that an addict needs more and
more of it. An overdose of heroine can kill almost immediately. Hallucinations cause
very odd, disturbed and unreal situations. In the long run most abusers develop
mental illness (Githinji, 1975). Inhalants affect the abuser through the vapor fumes
that are inhaled. They cause excitement and encourage violent behavior. They also
convulsions. If repeatedly inhaled, they can cause brain damage resulting in death.
23
2.8 Effects of Drug Abuse on Education
Drug abuse has become a stumbling block to the students learning behavior which is
generally that school indiscipline is on the rise due to drug abuse and many incidences
related to this make the headlines in the daily press. One of the worst cases in student
indiscipline and drug abuse was in Nyeri District where hostel cubicles belonging to
four prefects were burnt by fellow students causing the prefects’ deaths. (Siringi,
1999).
According to Munyoki, 2008, drug abuse results to lack of morals and deteriorating
violence, destruction of school property and in some cases loss of lives. Cases noted
new comer on fire to test the function and authority of the newly posted
• St. Kizito mixed secondary school where male students invaded the girls’
dormitory and raped 72 girls where 19 of them lost their lives and school
2001).
24
Therefore, from the above cases among the many, it can be noticed that drug abuse
has been blamed for many strikes and student unrest that take place' in schools in
different parts of the country. Different types of drugs are readily available in school
locations. Such drugs and substances include alcohol, bhang, and tobacco among
others. Drag abuse association with interpersonal conflicts, students unrest and
A student who is involved in drags cannot perform well academically because there
and disrupts academic progression. Students who abuse bhang regularly are twice as
likely to receive marks below average and drop out of school in the long run
(UNDCP, 1992). School academic calendars are also disrupted especially when there
is unrest and students are sent home for a while. This affects the performance of all
students due to the fact that the breakup of the school routine impedes their progress.
(Marcus, 1991).
In order to curb the vice of drug and substance abuse, a number of preventive
(Escando & Galvez, 2005). The home is the nucleus that strengthens society.
Children and teenagers need homes that can offer warmth, shelter and security. In
25
one study, social support (which consists of good relationships with parents, siblings,
adults and peers) during adolescence substantially reduce drug abuse (Melgosa,
2003). There should be law enforcements especially by the anti-narcotic unit to curb
drug trafficking. Early intervention would work best when implemented before the
Advertisements on alcohol and cigarettes on the media should be banned and those
found to go against the law should be dealt with accordingly. This can be through
fines, being given jail terms or revoking their licenses, training of effective personnel
especially teachers. Schools should also provide time and resources for in-service
“Guidance and counseling programmes are essential in order to help students grow
educational, vocational, social ethics and personal matters”. There should be peer-led
programmes which are led by students who are taken to be role models. School based
Some drugs should be banned. Some drugs like preventive and curative medicines
are not harmful therefore banning them will be detrimental to people’s illness. The
ones which are hard or narcotic like heroin, mandrax and cocaine should be banned.
People should be sensitized on the harmful effects of abusing alcohol and drugs.
26
included, have limited resources to cater for the basic needs of its people. When
youth abuse drugs, not only is the drain on the economy but also on the control of
supply and demand reduction which are expensive undertakings. This deals the
country a blow as the youth become less productive. Many drug abusers may be
unable to attain or hold full time employment and may be absent from work leading
From the developmental point of view, the youth are seen as future social and human
capital. There is a relationship between economic cost, school dropout and laws of
There are several theoretical models which explain drug and substance abuse. In this
study the researcher will use the theoretical frame work of social learning theory by
Albert Bandura.
This theory advanced by Albert Bandura, (1977) is based on the ideal that
adolescence form their beliefs about anti-social from their role models in the
environment who are significant owners in life especially relatives, teachers, parents,
close friends among others. It asserts that adolescent involvement with the substance
using role models is likely to have three consequential effects, beginning with an
reinforcement for early substance use. This culminates into an adolescent’s positive
27
It also emphasizes expectancies that we form about the effects of alcohol and other
drugs. Individuals who have adequate coping skills and high self-esteem are able to
drink at socially acceptable levels and to develop friendship with others who also
avoid alcohol abuse. Those with poor coping skills in general for dealing with life
problems may turn to alcohol and drugs to reduce tension, escape from problems and
feel better. Secondary indications of the environment are associated with the primary
stimuli of adult’s drug experience. This includes not only physical aspects of the
Bandura believes that a person learns by observing what others do. Through this one
cognitively represents the behavior of others and then possibly adopts this behavior
(Bandura, 1977). This theory is relevant to this study because through observation
and internalization students learn to abuse or not to abuse drugs. If on the other hand
the behavior is negatively reinforced like falling sick, losing friends, suspended from
school, then the behavior may altogether become extinct. Parents may influence their
children’s drinking through both direct modeling of alcohol use (Bandura 1977) and
Summary
In this section, the researcher reviewed literature and identified some of the causes of
drug abuse in Kenya. These range from peer pressure, social occasions among other
related causes. The school environment plays a major role in enhancing or curbing
the vice of drug abuse. In urban centres students are likely to engage themselves in
28
The effects of drug abuse can be short term or long term depending on how long one
engages in drug taking and the kinds of drugs abused. Drug abuse leads to truancy,
indiscipline, and cancers like cancer of the liver, lung and throat. Learning standards
also go down because most drug abusers who are students need to be assisted right
from home and school. Religious societies should also play a role in drug abuse
control.
relationships
Independent variables
Dependent variables
Sources of Income
Employed School Attendance
Unemployment
Self Employed Academic performance
Extraneous variable
Government Policy
29
The independent variable is Drug and Substance Abuse. The factors leading to this
vice include parental sources of income, location of the school, role of school
30
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter deals with the research methodology and consists the research design of
instruments, piloting of the instruments, data collection procedures and data analysis
techniques.
According to Cooper and Schindler (2006), research design is the strategy for study
and the plan by which the strategy is to be carried out specifying the methods and the
This study design was descriptive survey design. This is a method of collecting
individuals, (Kombo & Tromp, 2006). This type of design was also useful when
According to Mugenda and Mugenda (1999), the target population is that population
to which a researcher wants to generalize the results of the study. The target
population for this study was form 3 students totaling to 1232. They were preferred
since it was assumed that they are at the peak of their adolescence therefore more
conversant with drug related issues in their respective schools and they have also
settled down in school. The respondents were picked from the 11 schools in Starehe
Sub County. There were 11 principals and 11 guidance and counseling teachers.
31
3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques
sampling is the process of selecting a few cases in order to provide information that
gain information about the whole (Kombo et al; 2006). Random sampling was used to
select the form three students and out of the total number of 1232, 291 students were
sampled. This was based on a table designed by Krejcie and Morgan (1970:608) cited
in Mulusa (1988). For the head teachers and guidance and counseling teachers,
3.5Research Instruments
The research instruments used in this study were questionnaires. The questionnaires
were designed using closed and open-ended questions. This is a type of research
students, guidance and counselling teachers and principals. The items in the first
experience and qualifications. The second part sought information on causes and
effects of alcohol and substance abuse and suggestions which could help curb drug
abuse.
Before data collection, the questionnaires were pre-tested to ensure their validity and
reliability. The relevance of the items to the objectives of the study were assessed to
32
ensure comprehensive context coverage. The set of questionnaires were administered
to a sample of 40 students and 5 teachers in one of the schools which were not
the length and time taken by each respondent to complete the questionnaire
Validity is the degree to which the results obtained from the analysis of the data
actually represent the phenomenon under study. Orodho (2005), defines validity as a
how they are accurate, correct, true, meaningful and right in enhancing the intended
data for the study. A pilot study was carried out to help the researcher in
identification of items in the research instrument that might bring about ambiguity in
eliciting the relevant information. The items which were found to be ambiguous in
instrument yields consistent data after repeated trials (Mugenda & Mugenda
and constantly and obtain the same results under the same conditions of a period of
33
were given to a few respondents before the actual study to determine whether the
facts (Kombo et al; 2006).The researcher sought authority from the National Council
for Science Technology and Innovation to carry out the research. The researcher
sought permission from the Sub County Director of Education to conduct research in
the said area. After randomly selecting the schools, the researcher visited the schools
the respondents. The researcher assured them of confidentiality for the information
they would provide. The researcher gave them the questionnaires to fill in and
the students that teachers or school administrations would use none of the
The data collected was analyzed using simple statistics. The questionnaires were
questionnaires were checked to see if there were errors and omissions, adequate
Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software Programme.
Qualitative data was to clarify information, give explanations and opinions that may
have not been captured in the questionnaires. Information was then generated and
presented in the form of graphs, tables and charts indicating frequencies and
percentages.
34
3.9.2 Ethical Consideration
The respondents’ consent was sought before administering the questionnaires. The
questionnaires. The information given by the respondents was not to be used for any
35
CHAPTER FOUR
This refers to the number of each of the research instruments that were duly filled and
returned to the researcher for analysis. According to Ary (2006), for the results to
reflect all the characteristics of the population, the questionnaire return rate should be
Out of the 291 questionnaires given to the student, 268 were returned making a 92.1%
response rate. The response rate for the key teachers was 6 guidance and counselling
teachers and 6 principals rating their responses at 100%. The findings are shown in
table 4.1.
Returned
The high response rate was perhaps motivated by the length of the questionnaire,
mood of the participant and the fact that Drug and Substance Abuse is a major cause
36
4.2 Demographic Information
characteristics required for students were gender and age while for the teachers it was
gender and school category. The students sample consisted of 142 males (48.8%) and
149 females (51.2%). The teacher sample consisted of 3 (50.0%) males and 3 (50.0%)
females. The principal sample had 2 (33.3%) females and 4 (66.7%) males. The
disparity in administration is due to the fact that there were male principals in the two
mixed schools sampled. The high population of boys as compared to that of girls is
attributed to the fact that in Starehe Sub-County there are more boys’ schools and
The analysis in Table 4.2 shows that students whose parents are low income earners
are likely to engage in drugs as shown by 38%. This is because their basic needs like
food, shelter and clothing might not be met therefore leading them to abuse drugs due
to frustrations. On the other hand, those whose parents are high income earners might
not engage so much in drugs due to their basic needs having been made. This is
represented by 16.8%. The findings imply that Drug and Substance Abuse is a major
societal problem and cuts across all levels of income of parents with those of low
37
Table 4.2: Influence of Parents Sources of Income on the prevalence of Drug and
Substance Abuse
Frequency Percentage
No income 68 25.4
According to Figure 4.1, 63% of students who hailed from urban areas abused drugs
as compared to their rural counter parts. This is because the students in urban centres
especially in big towns like Nairobi have easier access to these drugs and are also
Figure 4.1: Causes of drug abuse for students in rural or urban set ups
82
100
63
NO. OF STUDENTS
80
60 37 Students who
40 18 abuse drugs
20 Students who
0 0
0 do not abse
RURAL URBAN drugs
38
4.5: Relationship between school administration and drug abuse
The analysis on figure 4.2 shows that high handedness leads to drug abuse which
stands at 50%, lack of freedom at (22%), harsh treatment at (17%) and laxity at
(11%). Perhaps this is due to the fact that the students in schools are at the peak of
their adolescence therefore may tend to be rebellious if not handled with care. The
principals need to understand this and embrace dialogue to identify the learners’
Laxity
Harsh Treatment
11%
17%
Lack of Freedom
22%
High handedness
50%
As shown in Figure 4.3, teachers reported peer pressure (38%) as the main cause of
drug and substance abuse among students. Other factors cited included curiosity
(25%), availability of drugs (23%) and the belief among students that they will pass
exams (14%) engage in drugs. This implies that peer pressure among other factors
dangerous drugs.
39
Figure 4.3 Causes of drug abuse as observed by teachers
40% 38%
35%
30%
25%
25% 23%
20%
14%
15%
10%
5%
0%
peer pressure curiosity availability believe they will pass
exams
The analysis in Figure 4.4. shows that drugs when abused have different effects on the
students. Poor performance (52%) was rated highly aggressive behavior (30%),
withdrawal syndrome (10%) and violence (8%). Students who abuse drugs perform
poorly in both local and national examinations. This impacts negatively as they may
Withdrawal
Violence syndrome
8% 10%
Aggressive
behaviour
30%
Poor performance
52%
40
4.8 Learners’ awareness of the causes and effects of drug abuse
According Figure 4.5, learners were aware of the causes of drug abuse as represented
by 70%, with 20% reporting no while 10% were not sure. This shows that the students
were not ignorant but were aware of what the effects were.
Figure 4.5: Learners’ awareness of the causes and effects of drug abuse
Not sure
10% No
20%
Yes
70%
The results in table 4.3, showed that guidance and counselling at school took the
public campaigns and awareness. This could be through mass media like radios and
televisions or through public gatherings. It can also be noted that taking drug abusers
to law enforcers was rated (3.7%). This shows that the teachers prefer guidance and
counselling to any other possible remedy. The findings concur with headteachers view
which established that guidance and counselling was key towards minimizing drug
41
Table 4.3: Measures taken to curb Drug and Substance Abuse
42
4.10 Teachers who have undergone in-service training in guidance and
counselling
The analysis in Figure 4.6 shows that 65% of teachers have gone for in-service
training for guidance and counselling while 35% have not. Notwithstanding the
researcher felt that there is need to train more teachers because the enrolment of
students in schools had gone up due to subsidized primary and secondary education
and counselling
35%
65%
No Yes
The results in Figure 4.7 shows that the challenges faced by teachers were varied.
Some students were uncooperative (50%), uncooperative parents (34%) and hostility
from the community was rated at 16%. The students fear exposing themselves and
their peers to ridicule from teachers. They also fear that should they expose their
peers, these peers might retaliate by meting punishment on them like beating or
43
killing them. The parents do not want to expose their children because they might be
expelled from school. The community members sometimes harbor the drug barons
therefore do not like exposing their hideouts for their own safety and those of their
problems in schools
16%
Hostility
34%
44
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Introduction
The purpose of the study was to establish the causes and effects of drug and substance
abuse among secondary school students in Starehe sub country, Nairobi. The study
(i) To establish the extent to which parent’s sources of income influence the
in Starehe Sub-County.
drug and substance abuse among secondary school students in Starehe sub
county.
Starehe Sub-County.
(iv) To establish how peer pressure influences drug abuse among secondary
minimized.
The study utilized questionnaires to collect data. Data was collected from sampled
45
5.3 Summary of the major findings
5.3.1. On how parent’s sources of income influence the prevalence of drug and
It was established that students whose parents are of low income group are most likely
to engage in drug abuse due to poor social economic background. Such students tend
to seek comfort from their friends and other members engaged in drug abuse for their
own survival.
5.3.2 On how location of schools influence the prevalence of drug and substance
abuse.
It was established that students who were in urban areas were likely to engage more in
drug abuse than those in rural areas. This was due to more access social media and
5.3.4 How Peer Pressure Influence Drug Abuse among Secondary School
Students.
Peer pressure was cited at the major cause of Drug and Substance Abuse. Other
factors mentioned included curiosity, availability of drugs and the belief among
46
5.4 Conclusion
The study concludes that Drug and Substances Abuse is a complex phenomenon in
secondary schools. Therefore, there is need for more students to explore deeper on
this pertinent issue. This calls for concerted efforts by all stakeholders (including
teachers, parents, educational officers and other government officials) to fight the vice
and make schools a better place for current generations and generations to come.
5.5. Recommendations
There is crucial need to address drug related problems affecting learners among all the
Campaign against Drug Abuse (NACADA) should review curriculum with the aim of
consultation with the school community and governing council, a school behavioural
code which is consistent with the drug abuse policies. Opportunities should also be
provided for staff training and development especially on guidance and counselling.
Teachers should develop and foster positive relationships with students and families.
They should also participate in developing, implementing and reviewing the schools
Parents and guardians should ensure that they are close to their children as much as
possible and notify school staff of behaviour change in these children. They should
47
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APPENDICES
This questionnaire is aimed at collecting data on the causes and effects of drug and
substance abuse among secondary school students. The information you provide will
be treated in utmost confidence and only for academic purposes. Please respond to all
2. Sex (gender)?
Male ( ) Female ( )
(a) Catholic( )
(b) Protestant( )
(c) Pentecostal( )
4. How can youdescribe your relationship with family members over the last
few years?
Father
Mother
Sister (s)
Brother(s)
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
53
6. What are your feelings when you face life’s frustrations and difficulties?
7. Are you at times asked by a family member to buy or prepare some of these
drugs?
Yes ( ) No ( )
Classify_______________________________________________________
8. (i) Have you ever used any of the drugs mentioned in no.7 above?
(iii) How frequent do you use them at home and school? ___________________
9. Do you believe that the following factors could have contributed to your current
54
Need to perform or achieve better. ( ) ( ) ( )
11. Did you start using any of the following drugs because most of your
peersfriends
peers were using them? Yes ( )( No. ( )
)))))12. Which of the following media advertises drugs most?
TV ( )
Radios ____________________________ ( )
Newspapers ( )
13. What impression did you form at first about alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking
and others when you saw them being advertised in the media?
14. Are drugs easily available to the students in your school? Yes ( ) No ( )
Other students ( )
Support staff ( )
Teachers ( )
Other (specify)_________________________________________
16 Since you joined this school, do you think there is an increase in drug abuse
among students?
Yes ( ) No ( )
55
(i) _______________________________________________________________________
(ii) _______________________________________________________________________
(iii) _______________________________________________________________________
(iv) _______________________________________________________________________
(v) _______________________________________________________________________
(vi) _______________________________________________________________________
18. In your opinion why do students abuse drugs? (Rank them in order of prevalence)
Availability ________________________ ( )
Curiosity __________________________ ( )
Rebellion__________________________ ( )
Advertisement______________________ ( )
Ignorance _________________________ ( )
19. Is guidance and counseling department effective in dealing with drug abuse?
Yes ( ) No ( )
21. Suggest some preventive measures you would like to be put in place to curb drug
menace.
(i) ______________________________________________________________
(ii) ______________________________________________________________
(iii)______________________________________________________________
(iv) ______________________________________________________________
(v) ______________________________________________________________
56
APPENDIX II: Questionnaire for teachers
This questionnaire is aimed at collecting data on the causes and effects of drug and
substance abuse among secondary school students. The information you provide will
be treated in utmost confidence and only for academic purposes. Please respond to all
PART A
Below 30________________________ ( )
Diploma __________________________ ( )
Degree____________________________ ( )
Master ____________________________ ( )
PhD ______________________________ ( )
57
PART B
7. (a) Have you gone for any in-service training inguidance and counseling?
_______________________________________
(b)If yes, did you handle the issue on drug use and abuse in schools?
_______________________________________
Alcohol ( )
Bhang ( )
Miraa( )
9.. What influences the use and abuse at drugs in the school? ___________________
10. Which class in your opinion do you lay more emphasis as far as the issue of
Form 1 ( )
Form 2 ( )
Form 3 ( )
Form 4 ( )
11. (a) In your opinion is the drug problem in school increasing or decreasing?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
12. What problems has the school experienced as a result of drug abuse?
________________________________________________________________
58
PART C
13.What measures have been taken by the school administration to ensure that
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
14.What challenges have you encountered as a teacher in helping to curb out this
vice?
Hostility ( )
Uncooperative parents ( )
Cooperative students ( )
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
59
APPENDIX III: Questionnaire for Principals
Introduction
This questionnaire is aimed at collecting data on the causes and effects of Drug and
Substance Abuse among secondary school students. The information you provide will
be treated in utmost confidence and only for academic purposes. Please respond to all
SECTION A
10 – 20 years ( ) 20 – 30 years ( )
Form 2
Form 3
Form 4
Yes ( ) No ( )
60
7. If yes, are the guidance and counseling teachers trained for the same?
______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
SECTION B
9. What problems can you identify as setback to the students’ effective learning
emanating from?
10. Please identify the problems affecting student’s performance at your school?
11. a) Have you ever had cases of drug and substance abuse among your
students?
Yes ( ) No ( )
12. In your opinion who among the following mostly contribute to drug and
61
13. How often do you consult your parents on matters of education concerning
their children?
14. In your opinion how can the following stakeholders assist in curbing drug and
Government
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Parents
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
School Principals
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Teachers_______ _____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Community __________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Students_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
62
APPENDIX IV: Determining a Sample Size from a given population
NB:
N is population size
S is sample size
Source: Krejcie and Morgan (1979:608) as quoted in Mulusa (1988:86)
63
Appendix V: Research Authorization Letter
64
Appendix VI: Research Clearance Permit
65