Factors contributing to deviance among secondary school students in Miharati Division, Kipipiri District, Kenya

Abstract

This research was designed to investigate the factors contributing to deviance among secondary school students and the extent which deviance affected students' academic performance. The study was carried out in four secondary schools in Kipipiri District two of which were mixed girls boarding schools while two were mixed day schools. The sampled teachers from the four participated in the study. The researcher used survey method of research.

In survey method, the researcher obtains information directly from a group of individuals. In most cases the survey involves more interviews and questionnaires which may be administered orally or on paper. In this study only written questionnaires were used. The researcher gathered quantitative and qualitative data through structured and open-ended questionnaire. A pilot study was carried and the results used in making modifications on the instruments.

The study established that among the many factors that are associated with deviance, the students themselves contributed the greatest part. This was due to the fact that the students involved themselves in taking alcoholic substances and smoking cigarettes and bhang which affected their academic performance adversely. Over fifty percent of the students were taking alcohol very frequently at 56.9010. Those who were smoking cigarettes very frequently were at 51.4'0, the percentage of those taking bhang very frequently was 61.5% while 73.1% said chewing miraa was very frequent.

Variables such as parental characteristics and school environment had a contribution in making the individual student a deviant. The research revealed that behavior such as taking bhang, smoking cigamtes, dIewing miraa can be dealt with through guidance and counseling. Other behaviors sUch as fightin& absenteeism, stealing and sneaking out of the dormitoly can be dealt with administratively by the school authorities bandling the matters with parents and other stakeholders. Enforcemeat of school rules can play a big role in reducing deviance in these institutions.