Influence of drug abuse on student violence in public secondary schools in Kenya: a case study across vihiga and sabatia sub-counties

Drug abuse is becoming increasingly problematic in the world Kenya inclusive. Studies done worldwide have revealed that students abuse drugs. The foremost concern was the number of these students that would form an addiction to serious substances, jeopardizing their own health and safety and creating difficulties for their families and the public at large. Preliminary survey in five schools revealed that students in Vihiga and Sabatia sub-counties were abusing drugs. It was noted that Vihiga and Sabatia sub counties were experiencing cases of indiscipline that were linked to drug abuse. What was not known was the influence of drug abuse on student violence in secondary schools in Vihiga and Sabatia sub-counties. The objective of the study was therefore to establish influence of drug abuse on student violence in secondary schools in Vihiga and Sabatia sub-counties. A conceptual framework showing influence of drug abuse on student violence in secondary schools was used to guide the study. The study used descriptive survey research design. The study established that principals perceived drug abuse to be having high influence on violence in schools though G & C teachers rated its influence as moderate. The findings of this study are useful to the managers of schools in Kenya and the world at large in understanding the issues related to substance abuse among students in their schools and to come up with strategies to be used in addressing substance abuse related issues.