Factors Influencing Student Unrest In Institutions Of Higher Learning And Its Implication On The Academic Performance: A Case Of Maasai Mara University, Narok County, Kenya

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing unrest in Maasai Mara University and its effect on the academic performance of students. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to assess factors influencing student unrest in Maasai Mara University; to examine the impact of students’ unrest on their academic performance in Maasai Mara University and to suggest possible measures to be taken to minimize the occurrence of students unrest in Maasai Mara University. Descriptive research design was used in the study. The target population for this study consisted of 5000 people. Simple random sampling was used to select a sample size of 50 respondents. The research instruments used were questionnaires and interview schedules. Data was processed using Microsoft excel then it was analyzed using descriptive statistics and finally the findings were presented using tables, bar graphs and pie charts. The study findings showed that the majority of the respondents agreed that failure to involve students during implementation of various important institutional policies may make them feel that they are left out hence may cause student unrest. The study concluded that students unrest is caused by many factors which include; failure to involve students during implementation of various important institutional policies, delays by the higher education loans board to disburse the loans to the students, political divisions during elections of student representatives, congestion in the classrooms and hostels and by cases of missing examination papers, marks or marks awarded with lecturers favoring students of a certain gender, community, family or even religion may cause unrest. The study recommends that Peace education programs should be introduced into higher learning institutions and environment for students and staff to understand the beauty of resolving their differences through peaceful means rather than violent ways.