Causes Of Dissent And Disruptions Among Students A Case Study Of Selected Institutions Of Ifigher Learning In Nairobi-Kenya

ABSTRACT

Dissent and disruption among students has been a challenge in Kenya dating from up to one

century ago. Past studies have highlighted key factors that have at one point or the other

contributed to dissent among students.

This is a case study of institutions of higher learning in Nairobi — Kenya which has tried to

unearth and gather facts behind dissent and its manifestation.

The objectives of which have been to find out how the personal characteristics of the students,

and if social environmental factors that determine students participation in dissent and

disruptions. It also aims at finding out the challenges faced by the management of higher

learning institutions regard to dissent and disruption.

The target population was selected from Nairobi region because it represents similar structure

just like other areas and it is also the area where many higher learning institutions are

concentrated.

The results and findings here have shown that all parties are involved - including the

guardianship, the political class, the students and the management.

The causes include such things like lack of parental guidance and care, stringent college rules

and regulations, peer pressure influence, lack of proper management and communication and

drug abuse and other external factors such as political influence. Insensitive administration

and management was pointed out as the weakest link leading to student unrest, followed

closely by lack of dialogue and communication.

This paper has outlined some of the immediate and distant factors to curb students’ dissent

and disruptions in the institutions including the recommendations of the all inclusive broad

approaches towards curbing dissent. The government should recruit the colleges’ administrators through merit, and other relevant qualifications in a transparent way.