Youth Violence in Secondary Schools in Kenya: Prevalence, Manifestations and Prevention

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate youth violence in secondary schools in Kenya, focusing on a sociological analysis of its prevalence, manifestations and prevention. The study was motivated by the recent spate of incidents of student unrest in secondary schools. Theories and literature on youth violence 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 youth violence is a social phenomenon common in many Kenyan secondary schools, although its nature and magnitude varied across the geographical locations of the sampled schools. 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 youth violence from a broader perspective in contexts stated.