Student militancy in secondary schools in Kenya: a sociological analysis of its Manifestation, causes and consequences
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate student militancy in secondary schools in Kenya, focusing on a sociological analysis of its manifestations, causes and consequences. The study was motivated by the recent spate of incidents of student unrest in secondary schools. The study was conducted in 16 secondary schools in Machakos District. Theories and literature on student militancy were reviewed and a conceptual framework developed to guide the study. Data was collected from 238 students, 16 secondary school Head teachers, educational experts and community stakeholders by use of questionnaires, focus group discussion and interviews. The collected data was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The findings revealed that student militancy is a social phenomenon common in many Kenyan secondary schools, although its nature and magnitude varied across the geographical locations of the sampled schools. The research revealed that the wave of student militancy would leave a permanent mark on the victim, perpetrator, government, and school administration. A theoretical model was developed to help in understanding the relationships involved in student militancy. In the light of these findings, it is recommended that the Ministry of Education should review the situation existing in Kenyan schools with a view to determining the social problems that make students’ lives more and more meaningless. Professional in-service training programmes for teachers and school managers should also be emphasized for effective administration. In addition, the parents and the community should be involved in school matters, including the formulation and implementation of school rules. The study concludes with recommendations for further research on student militancy from a broader perspective in the contexts stated.
Description
Available in print form
Keywords
School violences, student violence, Secondary schools, Kenya
Citation
Ngesu, L.M (2011)Student militancy in secondary schools in Kenya: a sociological analysis of its Manifestation, causes and consequences, master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam (available at http://41.86.178.3/internetserver3.1.2/detail.aspx)