Curbing drug and substance abuse in secondary schools in Kenya; the disconnect in school community intervention strategies

Abstract

According to United Nations office on drugs and crime UNODC (2011), alcohol and drug abuse posses a great threat to the social economic fabric of nations worldwide. In spite of the governments’ effort in the fight against drug and substance abuse in Kenya, the problem remains untamed. The study assessed the effectiveness of the school community in curbing drug and substance abuse (DSA) among secondary school students. Literature relating to various aspects of school community and curbing DSA in schools was reviewed. The study employed descriptive survey design. The study sample consisted of 35 head teachers and 407 students. Questionnaires were used to collect Data from head teachers and students. Content validity and reliability of the research instruments was ascertained. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. The findings of the study show that students obtain drugs from the school community. Lack of cooperation from parents and guardians was frustrating DSA intervention efforts in schools. The study concluded that the use of school community was not effective in curbing DSA in schools. The study recommended an integrated approach where different strategies or combination of strategies are used purposively for different DSA cases. Head teachers should collaborate with law enforcers, government agencies; NACADA, NGOs and FBOs to curb the supply and demand of drugs and substances. The Ministry of Education could review its policy on punishment and expulsion as regards to curbing alcohol and drug abuse among students. This paper is an extract of a study conducted in the year 2012 and 2013 in secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya.