DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE INFLUENCE ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE INFLUENCE ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
Odero Theresa Akinyi - Student, Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Daniel Mange Mbirithi - Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Drug and substance abuse is a global problem driven by increased access to drugs, resulting in a growing number of users. The problem is particularly serious among young people, who are often targeted by drug traffickers. This situation negatively affects individuals, weakens economic productivity, and hinders social development. This study examined the effects of drug and substance abuse on the academic performance of secondary school students in Kiambu County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised of 303 secondary schools in Kiambu County, including head teachers, deans of studies, guidance and counseling teachers, other teaching staff, and students from Gatundu North Sub-County. Using simple random sampling, ten secondary schools were selected, consisting of seven public and three private schools drawn from different school categories. Data were collected through interviews with head teachers, deans of studies, and guidance and counseling teachers, as well as questionnaires administered to students. The collected data were cleaned, coded, and analyzed. Qualitative data from interviews were transcribed and organized according to the study objectives, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. Findings were presented through narratives, tables, and charts. The study established that drug and substance abuse is prevalent among secondary school students in Kiambu County, with commonly abused substances including alcohol, tobacco, bhang, and khat. The major factors influencing substance use were peer pressure, easy access to drugs, family background, and media exposure. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education allocate resources for targeted prevention programs, strengthen peer mentorship and counseling services, and implement policies that support early identification and continuous assistance for students at risk of substance abuse to improve academic outcomes in Kiambu County.
