Influence of Peer Pressure on Students Drugs Abuse in Secondary Schools in Matungulu and Kangundo Sub-Counties

Michael Munyao Ivita, W. S. Wafula, C. Ssempala

Abstract: This dissertation investigated the influence of peer pressure on students’ drug abuse in secondary schools in Matungulu and Kangundo districts of Machakos County, Kenya. The research problem emanated from the concern that drug abuse has remained a serious habit in Kenyan schools despite efforts put in place to reduce it. The researcher used mixed method approach to carry out his study. The study sample was 13 BOM chairs, 13 PTA chairs, 13 head teachers, 104 teachers and 780 students. The information was elicited by use of questionnaires, interview schedule guide and focused group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed through simple statistics while qualitative data by thematic analysis. From study findings it has been found that peer groups have a lot of influence to students because it is machinery that the students use to react to school authorities and hence students cannot escape their influence since it is only way they can find their issues being heard by or voice to school authorities.

Keywords: Peer pressure, Students drug abuse, Influence, Public Secondary School