The Influence of Leadership Programs in the Fight Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Students in Secondary Schools in Kajiado North Sub-County

Abstract

The issue of drug and alcohol abuse among school children is a significant concern for educational policymakers. The general purpose of the study was to find out the influence of leadership programs in curbing alcohol and drug abuse among students in secondary schools in Kajiado North Sub-County. The specific objectives were to investigate the impact of mentorship, life-skills programs, and guidance and counseling on reducing alcohol and drug abuse, as well as to identify implementation challenges in these efforts. The study was anchored in empowering leadership theory and the theory of planned behavior. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. The target population was 208 school leaders comprising principals, deputy principals, guidance & counseling teachers, and head prefects from 52 public and private secondary schools. Stratified sampling technique was used. Questionnaires were administered to a sample size of 136 respondents, and qualitative data were collected from 24 participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation techniques, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. The mentorship program, with a composite rating of 4.24, was perceived as effective in addressing alcohol and drug abuse among secondary school students. In-depth interviews highlighted its role in character development and career aspirations. However, inferential analysis showed an insignificant correlation between mentoring and effectiveness in combating substance abuse (p>.05). Similarly, life-skills programs, with a mean score of 4.34, were deemed effective, focusing on personal development, empowerment, and social skills. However, correlation analysis revealed a weak and insignificant link between life-skills impartation and anti-drug campaign effectiveness (p>.05). Guidance and counseling services, rated at 4.33, were seen as effective, especially in character and values formation and career guidance (p<.05). Challenges included insufficiently trained personnel (89.1%), lack of resources for materials (87.5%), inadequate time allocation (85.9%), and limited student involvement in program development (85.9%). The study concluded that leadership programs are effective in tackling alcohol and drug abuse among secondary school students in Kajiado North Sub-County, but their correlation with combating substance abuse varies, highlighting the need to address implementation challenges such as insufficiently trained personnel and resource shortages to enhance prevention program effectiveness.