Abstract:
Kaloki Patrick Mulwa
ABSTRACT. The consequences of drug and substance abuse pose serious risks not only to those who abuse
them but also to those in their immediate environment. This study therefore sought to
investigate on the effects of drug and substance abuse on the academic performance among
third year drug abusing students in Maasai Mara University in Narok County-Kenya. It was
based on the following objectives: to identify the main types of drugs and substances abused
by MMU students, to examine the factors influencing drug and substance abuse among MMU
students, to identify the effects of drug and substance on students’ performance in MMU, and
to examine the university initiatives and programs to fight against drug and substance abuse
among MMU third year students. This was vital because the students’ fraternity of MMU was
enlightened and more knowledgeable on this topic. The findings of this study were expected
to help the university administration improve or put in place measures to ensure drug and
substance is controlled within the university and improve on the academic performance of
MMU students. This study was guided by two theories, that is, Bandura’s Cognitive Learning
theory and the Behavioral model. This study was also influenced by dependent and
independent variables without which the study would not be possible as shown in the
conceptual framework. These variables were what facilitated drug and substance abuse and
were expected to affect the results of this study. This study was descriptive in nature and
utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection while purposive sampling
was used in data collection. The study utilized both primary and secondary data. Primary data
was obtained via administration of questionnaires and observation while secondary data from
previous researches done by others. Data was analyzed using SPSS and the results were
presented using frequency tables, pie charts and percentages. The findings of this study will
be used by the university administration to improve existing and initiate new programs to
curb drug and substance abuse in the university. The findings will also benefit the
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government and NACADA in policy formulation in regard to drug and substance abuse in
order to curb the menace in Public Universities and other institutions of higher learning.
