Abstract:
According to United Nations office on drugs and crime UNODC (2011), alcohol and
drug abuse posses a great threat to the social economic fabric of nations worldwide. In
spite of the governments’ effort in the fight against drug and substance abuse in Kenya,
the problem remains untamed. The study assessed the effectiveness of the school
community in curbing drug and substance abuse (DSA) among secondary school
students. Literature relating to various aspects of school community and curbing DSA in
schools was reviewed. The study employed descriptive survey design. The study sample
consisted of 35 head teachers and 407 students. Questionnaires were used to collect Data
from head teachers and students. Content validity and reliability of the research
instruments was ascertained. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. The
findings of the study show that students obtain drugs from the school community. Lack
of cooperation from parents and guardians was frustrating DSA intervention efforts in
schools. The study concluded that the use of school community was not effective in
curbing DSA in schools. The study recommended an integrated approach where different
strategies or combination of strategies are used purposively for different DSA cases.
Head teachers should collaborate with law enforcers, government agencies; NACADA,
NGOs and FBOs to curb the supply and demand of drugs and substances. The Ministry
of Education could review its policy on punishment and expulsion as regards to curbing
alcohol and drug abuse among students. This paper is an extract of a study conducted in
the year 2012 and 2013 in secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya.
