Influence of Students’ Associations on Educational Socialization Outcomes Among Students in Selected Universities in Nairobi County Kenya

Abstract

This research conducted a study on; Influence of Students’ Associations on Educational Socialization Outcomes among Students in Selected Universities in Nairobi County Kenya. The researcher settled for Nairobi County as a suitable site for the study since apart from being the capital city, it is home to many universities as well as constituent colleges. The objectives entailed; to investigate influence of regional-based students’ associations, to examine influence of religious-based students’ associations and to investigate influence of career-based students’ associations on the educational socialization outcomes among students in selected universities in Nairobi County Kenya. The study also intended; to assess influence of welfare-based students’ associations, to determine influence of talent-based students’ associations on educational socialization outcomes among students in selected universities in Nairobi County Kenya. The two theories that guided the study are the Structural Functionalist Theory and the Social Learning Theory. The study used Mixed Methodology whereby qualitative and quantitative methods were concurrently triangulated. Qualitative data was presented thematically while the quantitative data was presented using tables and charts. The target population of the study was the 105,917 students in ten chartered universities in Nairobi County. The universities were categorised into public and private. The reason for choosing universities was that the associations are well defined and have clear objectives. The students are mature and have already made career choicest. The researcher used stratified random sampling technique to come up with a sample representing both public and private universities, purposive sampling technique to come up with a sample of deans of students and simple random sampling technique to come with a sample of individual associations’ members as respondents. Data was gathered from respondents using observation checklist, questionnaire for students and interview schedule for deans of students. The researcher piloted the research instruments in Nazarene University that was not among the main study sites. Reliability and validity of the instruments was checked using the split half technique and critically assessing the consistency of the responses on the pilot questionnaires. The data collected was then analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The researcher sought the relevant authorization documents as well as informed consent from the participants. One of the major findings was that participation in students’ association’s activities influenced educational socialization outcomes. The study concluded that students’ associations have an influence on educational socialization outcomes which had implications to academic performance. Based on the findings the study recommends that university authorities need to set up or enhance their systems as far as students’ associations are concerned. Students in universities have a lot of energy and freedom. They engage in many activities some which are illegal and clandestine and therefore there is need for such groups to be identified, studied and be guided positively.