Counseling Psychology

Examination of community response to girl child defilement in Ainabkoi Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

2023-06-01T00:00:00Z

Examination of community response to girl child defilement in Ainabkoi Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Kogo, Selina C. Public authorities, Non-Governmental Organizations and individuals have come up with efforts to address and eradicate sexual violence against girls. Such efforts have failed to achieve the objectives due to concerned stakeholders' lack of adequate knowledge on child defilement. The main aim of this study was to examine community response to girl child defilement in Ainabkoi Sub-County. The study's specific objectives were: to establish the magnitude of girl child defilement; to assess the level of knowledge of the residents on girl child defilement; to establish predisposing factors to girl child defilement, and evaluate community-based interventions available on girl child defilement in Ainabkoi Sub-County. The study was guided by rational choice theory. A descriptive survey design was used in this study. The target population for this study was 34892 households. The study used Krejcie and Morgan formula to obtain a sample of 380 household heads. Further, 9 chiefs, 9 social workers, 27 secondary school principals, 33 primary school head teachers, and 32 church leaders were included in the study. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select participants for the study. Questionnaires and key informant interview guides were used in collecting data. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25, whereby percentages and frequencies were obtained and presented in tables and graphs. Qualitative data obtained on specific open-ended questions were analyzed thematically and triangulated within quantitative data. The researcher ensured confidentiality and non-disclosure of respondents to ensure research ethics are adhered to. The study findings revealed that 90 (27.7%) of the respondents had witnessed cases of defilement many times. The study results revealed that there was statistically significant association between residence knowledge and defilement cases χ2 (1, N = 262) = 7.344, p =.007. The study findings revealed that cultural practices χ2 (1, N = 262) = 6.087, p =.014, media exposures χ2 (1, N = 262) = 4.465, p =.035, poor parenting χ2 (1, N = 262) = 5.954, p =.015 and poverty χ2 (1, N = 262) = 5.041, p =.025 are associated with defilement cases. Action taken by community on known defilers are statistically significant associated with defilement cases χ2 (1, N = 262) = 10.539, p =.015. The study concluded that the area had witnessed a few cases of defilement by a random adult male on the road. The residents of the area had no knowledge of the offender of girl child defilement in the area since they never discuss girl child defilements at chief barazas, churches, radios, family get together, or funerals. The study recommended that everyone in the community is encouraged to get involved with other parents to help vulnerable children and their families.

Students’ perception of counselling services as their wellness intervention in public TVET institutions in Nyeri County, Kenya

2023-07-01T00:00:00Z

Students’ perception of counselling services as their wellness intervention in public TVET institutions in Nyeri County, Kenya Ruita, Ruth Guidance and counseling services could be a panacea to some of the some of the issues and challenges limiting the wellbeing of students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. This research proposes to study the perceptions among TVET college students about guidance and counseling (G&C) as wellness interventions for them during their college years. The objectives of the study were to: investigate the influence of students’ perception about guidance and counselling programs on their wellness; establish the influence of students’ awareness of the need for guidance and counselling on their wellness; find out the influence of students’ access to information on their perception about counselling services and; determine the influence of students’ attitudes about G&C services on their wellness in Public TVET Institutions in Nyeri County. Based on the self-perception theory and Andersen’s behavioral model, the study adopted the descriptive survey design. Using proportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques, the research sampled 286 TVET students out of a total of 19737 from the three Public TVET colleges in Nyeri County. Consequently, all the 10 teacher-counselors from these institutions were purposively sampled. Data was collected from students using self-administered questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) while the teachers were interviewed. Quantitative data from questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data from interviews and FGDs was subjected to content analysis. The instrument was tested for reliability and validity. Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha was computed for each item in the instrument. Reliability coefficients ranging between 0.78 and 0.89 were obtained. The instruments were thus found to have sufficient internal reliability of an instrument. To ensure the validity of the study instrument, the researcher got the input of seasoned researchers supervising the research as well as conducting pilot testing for it. The findings show that G&C enhanced holistic wellbeing of students in Public TVET institutions. There was a significant relationship between students wellness (the DV) and perception towards G&C Services (r= 0.949, p>0.05); awareness of counseling needs (r=0.950, p<0.05); access to information about G&C (r=0.892, p<0.05) and; students' attitude towards (r=-0.925, p<0.05. It is thus evident that students’ perceptions, awareness, access to information and attitudes affected their proclivity to seek G&C services which could go on to affect their wellness. The study recommends the need for dedicated efforts aimed at strengthening the perceptions, awareness, knowledge and attitudes of students towards guidance and counselling services in Public TVET institutions through regular sensitization on the need to seek timely G&C. This could be through awareness students on guidance and counselling needs.

Influence of communicating through social media by parents on the behavior of their children: case study of Tala Town, Matungulu Sub-County, Machakos County

2023-07-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of communicating through social media by parents on the behavior of their children: case study of Tala Town, Matungulu Sub-County, Machakos County Mwanzia, Simon Mutune The rising numbers of those who communicate through social media worldwide is of great concern since this may be affecting their other life concerns like minding of their children’s behavior and this prompts the researcher to desire to conduct this study. Social media is an internet-based form of communication, whose platforms allow users to have conversations, share information, and create web content. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of parental communication through social media on their children’s behavior in Tala town of Matungulu sub-county, Machakos County. The objectives of the study were to find out the prevalence of parents who communicate through social media in the presence of their 2 to 6 years old children in Tala town, Matungulu sub-county in Machakos county; to establish the motivations for communicating through social media by the parents, and to find out the relationship between parental communication through social media and the behavior of their children. The Ecological Systems Theory by Urie Bronfenbrenner (1979) and the Attachment Theory by John Bowlby (1969) and Mary Ainsworth were used to guide the study. The study employed descriptive design. A sample size of 359 parents who had at least one child of 2 to 6 years old and who communicate through social media was considered as study participants. A pilot study was carried out involving 12 participants, simple randomly sampled from a purposively selected pilot study site-Nguluni market- which neighbors Tala town and was similar to it, in both demographics and infrastructure. They were not included in the final study. Questionnaires for parents were designed to collect data. Reliability of the instruments was ensured through split-half method. Spearman’s correlation formula was used to correlate the scores. Content validity was used to measure the instrument through investigating their content with considerations to the study’s objectives. Data collected was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Data was organized and analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Tables and bar graphs were utilized in the presentation of the research findings. The results from the research were expected to establish whether communicating through social media by parents in the presence of their children influences the behavior their children. This study found that prevalence of parents in Tala town with 2-6 years old children, who communicate through social media in a typical day was 87.47 per cent; 84.12 percent of the parents frequently use WhatsApp; 57.66 percent of the parents spend on average three or more hours daily communicating through social media; the parents mostly(73.82%) communicate through social media between 5pm-midnight; about 65 percent of the parents communicate through social media for entertainment; and 65.18% of them to maintain relationships. This study recommends that parents ought to spend on average less than one hour daily communicating through social media, in order to reduce children behavior outcomes especially regarding to acting aggressively, seeking for attention, acting emotionally, seeming to be anxious, looking withdrawn, showing other behaviors, and children complaining to be sick; In addition, parents ought to stop communicating through social media between 5pm-midnight, to reduce children’s behavior outcomes of seeking for attention, acting emotionally, and showing other behaviors.

Psychological determinants of teacher-pupil relationship and academic achievement in public primary schools in Kesses Sub County, Uasin Gishu county, Kenya

2020-08-01T00:00:00Z

Psychological determinants of teacher-pupil relationship and academic achievement in public primary schools in Kesses Sub County, Uasin Gishu county, Kenya Tare, Jeniffer The quality of the teacher-pupil interpersonal relationship is considered significant in the learning process since it can protect a learner from educational failure. This may arise from the psychological context in which they operate. Thus, the study's purpose was to assess the psychological determinants of teacher-pupil relationships and pupils' academic achievement in public primary schools in Kesses Sub County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were: to determine the relationship between self-esteem as a determinant of teacher pupil relationship and pupils' academic achievement, assess the relationship between self-efficacy as a determinant of teacher-pupil relationship and pupils' academic achievement, examine the relationship between locus of control as a determinant of teacher pupil relationship and pupils' academic and establish the relationship between optimism as a determinant of teacher-pupil relationship and pupils' academic achievement in public primary schools in Kesses Sub County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. This study adopted a correlational research design, with a target population of 2810 persons, comprising of 85 head teachers, 125 Class teachers and 2600 upper primary pupils from public primary schools in Kesses sub-County. The sample size was 351 participants which included 16 Class teachers, 11 Head teachers and 324 upper primary pupils from class six to eight. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires for pupils and interview guides for teachers and head teachers. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistic and presented using pie charts, bar graphs and tables while qualitative data were analysed using themes and sub themes and presented in a report format and verbatim. The data was analyzed using Chi-square to establish whether there was any relationship between the variables; locus of control, self-esteem, self-efficacy and optimisms and academic achievement. Study findings indicated that psychological determinants; selfesteem, self- efficacy, locus of control and optimisms under the study had a significant relationship with pupils' academic achievement in public primary schools in Kesses Sub County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study findings indicated a significant relationship between self-esteem as a determinant of teacher-pupil relationships and pupils' academic achievement (2=944.053, p<0.05). There is a significant relationship between self-efficacy as a determinant of teacher pupil relationship and pupils' academic achievement (2=942.758, p<0.05). There is a significant relationship between locus of control as a determinant of teacher-pupil relationship and pupils' academic achievement (2=702.462, p<0.05). There is a significant relationship between optimism as a determinant of teacher pupil relationship and pupils' academic achievement (2=1239.844, p<0.05). The study concluded that self-esteem, self-efficacy, locus of control, and optimism significantly play a significant role in determining teacher-pupil relationships and academic achievement. The study recommended that there was a need for training all primary teachers in psychology. There was a need for teachers always to embrace warmth and be sensitive while dealing with pupils in a school to boost their general self-esteem, hence improving academic performance.

The relationship between levels of depression and Substance use among students of tertiary Institutions in Taita Taveta County, Kenya

2020-09-01T00:00:00Z

The relationship between levels of depression and Substance use among students of tertiary Institutions in Taita Taveta County, Kenya Mwanyika, Mseri Lawrian Lucas Depression and substance use are common co-occurring conditions. Sometimes depression has been found to be the precursor of substance use. The study focused on the relationship between levels of depression and substance use among students of tertiary institutions in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. Wendy Treynor’s Depression Theory was used to explain the variables. The study used a correlational research design because of two variables and their statistical relationship. The study was carried out in selected four tertiary institutions namely, C.I.T, S.M.T.C – Bura, K.M.T.C – Voi and T.I.T, all in Taita Taveta County (Kenya). CIT was chosen because it is the only institute of technology in the county, SMTC was selected because it is the only teachers’ college in the county and also a private college, managed by the Catholic Church. KMTC is the only other medical college in the county, and TIT is the only private institute of technology in the county, owned by an individual businessman. Each of the institutions has its uniqueness in terms of type of management, the professional training inclination, the students admitted and geographical location within the county. The study used a sample of 281 students from the selected institutions. Data was collected using questionnaires with a BDI depression standardized tool and ASSIST substance use standardized tool. Key Informant Interviews questionnaires for Principals, Deans of Students and tutors in charge of counseling programs were also used for staff. The captured data was analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS version 25) and the R-Studio software. From the results, logistic regression revealed that depression is a statistically significant predictor of substance use among students in tertiary institutions (z = 4.797, p = 0.027 < 0.05). T-test results indicated that depression influences the usage of tobacco products (t = 5.089, p = .001); alcoholic beverages (t = 5.477, p < 0.000); cannabis (t = 7.440, p < 0.001); cocaine (t = 3.201, p < 0.000); inhalants (t = 2.997, p = .003); and hallucinogens (t = 1.600, p = 0.49). Further, logistic regression revealed that the relationship between depression and substance abuse is influenced by gender (z = -1.599, p = 0.011), age (z = -1.285), and marital status (z = -0.585, p = 0.049).Chi-square was used to test the null hypothesis led to the alternative hypothesis indicating a statistical relationship between depression and substance use in the respondents, using BDI and ASSIST tools. Data and results analysis showed there is positive and proportional statistical relationship between depression and substance use, the higher the depression level the more the substance use. It was recommended that tertiary institutions should have more mental health professionals to be involved in students’ welfare management in tertiary institutions. There is need to improve institutional capacities in terms of counseling rooms and competent staff to run effective mental health and psycho-social support services to students in tertiary institutions. Further studies should be done in the areas of the relationship between depression and other maladaptive behaviors amongst students of post-secondary education.

Assessment of effectiveness of narrative exposure therapy intervention in the management of traumatic stress among young people in Kakuma Division, Turkana County

2020-09-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of effectiveness of narrative exposure therapy intervention in the management of traumatic stress among young people in Kakuma Division, Turkana County Inyang, Ime Okon Studies have shown that individuals who experience traumatic stress are vulnerable to developing psychological disorders than any other population. Kakuma refugee camp is currently the home of 196,666 people who fled from their various countries due to civil war and organized violence. Young people form 20% of Kakuma refugee camp population. These individuals live with constant reminders of negative memories of their traumatic war experience. Their mental health worsens when effective evidence based trauma-focused interventions are not provided. Against this background, this study sought to assess the young people’s traumatic stress with the use of post-traumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) tool. The study adopted narrative exposure therapy framework and intervention for traumatic stress management. The study objectives were; to assess the effectiveness of narrative exposure therapy in management of memory intrusion symptoms, avoidance of stimuli symptoms, alterations in cognitions and mood symptoms and alterations in arousal and reactivity to external stimuli symptoms of traumatic stress. The study used quasi-experimental research design whereby the researcher adopted a non-equivalent groups design. This design involved one treatment group and one control group. The target population comprised of registered youth in Kakuma refugee camp who are 39,960 in number. The study sampled 104 participants through multistage cluster and proportionate sampling. While the treatment group received narrative exposure therapy intervention, the control group received normal counselling intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data with the aid of statistical programme for social sciences (SPSS) version 23. Independent sample t-test was used to list the statistical significant differences between the means in the pre-test and post-test scores for the groups. From the results, memory intrusion symptoms were higher among young people who were exposed to normal counselling. The mean difference was -0.870 (95% CI = -1.156 to -0.585), t(102) = -6.045, p < 0.000. , avoidance of stimuli symptoms were higher among young people exposed to normal counselling. The mean difference was -0.496 (95% CI = -0.881 to -0.110), t(102) = -2.550, p = 0.12 < 0.05. In addition, negative alterations in cognitions and mood symptoms were higher among young people who were exposed to normal counselling. The mean difference was -1.306 (95% CI = -1.559 to -1.052), t(102) = -10.224, p = < 0.00, and alterations in arousal and reactivity to external stimuli symptoms were higher among young people who were exposed to normal counselling. The mean difference was -0.726 (95% CI = -0.968 to -0.484), t(102) = -5.953, p = < 0.00. The researcher established that narrative exposure therapy intervention is effective in the management of traumatic stress among young people in Kakuma division. The findings of this study were recommended as useful to counsellors, psychologists and other mental health practitioners working among refugees and traumatized populations in evidence based trauma counselling. Counselling students and counsellor trainers would refer to the study findings for guidance in their research work, counselling practice and training.

Influence of socio-economic, psychological and physical factors on academic performance among orphaned pupils in public primary schools in Kapseret Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

2020-08-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of socio-economic, psychological and physical factors on academic performance among orphaned pupils in public primary schools in Kapseret Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya Mulaa, Eleanor, Akola The number of orphaned children is increasing across the world, creating a significant problem for educational attainment. The need toiprovideiqualityieducationiforiallichildreniis ioneiofitheiobjectivesiofithe Sustainable Development Goal number four on inclusive and equitable quality education. However, the academic achievement of orphaned pupils has been affected by several factors. Despite the measures the government is putting in place to improve pupils' academic performance such as free primary education, the academic performance of orphaned pupils in public primary schools has been persistently average and low. The purpose iof ithe istudy iwas ito idetermine ithe iinfluence iof isocio-economic, ipsychological iand iphysical ifactors ion iacademic iperformance iamong iorphaned ipupils iin ipubliciprimaryischoolsiiniKapseretiSub-County. iTheispecificiobjectivesiwereito;iestablishithe iinfluenceiofisocio-economicifactors, ipsychologicalifactorsiandiphysicalifactorsioniacademic iperformanceiofiorphanedipupils. The study was based anchored on the ecological systems theory by Bronfenbrenner. This study adopted the concurrent triangulation design to investigate the research problem. The target population for this study was 447, comprising of 371 orphan pupils in class 6, 7, and 8, 19 head teachers, 57 class teachers from 19 public primary schools in Kapseret Sub-County. The sample size was 211 comprising of 175 orphaned pupils, 9 headteachers and 27 class teachers. Purposive and simple random sampling were used to select respondents. Primary data was collected using the questionnaire from the orphaned pupils, while interview schedules were used to collect data from headteachers and class teachers. Secondary data used were from journals, books, and research thesis. The study used both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. Quantitative data obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, which included frequencies, percentages, means, and the standard deviation. Inferentially data were analyzed using Pearson's correlations and regression model tested at 0.05% level of significance. Qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic method. Findings revealed that socio-economic, psychological and physical factors negatively influenced orphaned pupils' academic performance. Study findings revealed that socio-economic factor has a negative and significant influence on academic performance (β1=-0.138, p<0.05). Socio-economic needs were prioritized over the educational needs of orphaned pupils. The study results revealed that psychological factors have a negative and significant influence on academic performance (β2=-0.130, p<0.05). Orphaned pupils faced psychological challenges such as relatives' verbal abuse, lack of affection and protection that influence their academic performance poorly. Further study findings revealed that physical factors have a negative and significant influence on academic performance (β3=-0.285, p<0.05). The study concluded that the academic performance of orphaned children was negatively influenced by socio-economic, psychological, and physical factors. Orphaned children were more affected by lack of permanent shelter as they had to move from relatives to relatives for accommodation and others opting to live in schools and the church. The study recommended that for improvement of orphaned pupils’ academic performance, schools need to initiate supportive programs to cater for the extra needs of orphaned children to ensure deficiency in their foster homes do not affect their academic performance. Parents and institutions taking care of orphaned children should be trained on a positive upbringing to reduce the gap of the children feeling accepted and protected.

Impact of domestic violence on women empowerment in Marsabit County, Kenya

2020-09-01T00:00:00Z

Impact of domestic violence on women empowerment in Marsabit County, Kenya Gichango, Milka, Wachera Domestic violence is an issue that cuts across every cultural and socio-economic status within the globe. It harshly damages women's ability to be sustainably developed and empowered. They are emotionally withdrawn, irritable and become helpless. The study aimed at evaluating the impact of domestic violence on women empowerment in Marsabit County, Kenya. This was achieved through investigation into the forms of domestic violence in Marsabit County; the impacts of the coping strategies on women empowerment in Marsabit County; the impacts of domestic violence on socio-economic wellbeing among women in Marsabit County and the Strategies offered to mitigate domestic violence by the communities in Marsabit County. The study was guided by Person-Centered Theory by Carl Rogers. The study adopted descriptive mixed research design. The study used both spontaneous and purposive sampling techniques. The target population for the study was 300 women who were domestic violence survivors and 35 key informants, giving a population of (335). They were sourced from local NGO's, charity organizations, churches, mosques and local leaders who had interacted with the survivors of domestic violence in the seven sub-counties of Marsabit County. The study sampled 98 women and seven key informants. Instruments for data collection included, questionnaire and interview guides. Construct and content validity of the instruments was ascertained through expert analysis while reliability through test retest method. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 to extract the frequency distribution tables, bar graphs, and pie charts. The qualitative data was analyzed using the directed extracts, description and explanations according to each objective and presented in a narrative form. Findings revealed that women in Marsabit County experience different forms of domestic abuse in which 36% of women were beaten by their partners and 30.6% were coerced into sexual intercourse when they did not want to. The coping strategies used by women who suffered domestic violence in the County included use of alcohol/Miraa (30.6 %) as a means of distress reliever, while 24.5% participated in physical group activities in the community. The study concluded that though domestic violence is still rampant in Marsabit County, women are increasingly becoming empowered through self-awareness, recognition of their human rights and identification of workable business opportunities. The research recommends that government and NGOs initiate formation of more women's empowerment programmes which will enable women to be economically stable and have a voice against domestic violence.

Family, peer and college domain factors and substance use among female students at KMTC, Nairobi and Thika Campuses

2020-08-01T00:00:00Z

Family, peer and college domain factors and substance use among female students at KMTC, Nairobi and Thika Campuses Ouma, Cerina, Atieno World drug report indicates growing accessibility to substances as a major world trend among ages 15 to 65 years. Globally, the use of substances by college students of all genders is a challenge and a public health concern. However, many studies on substance use focus on male students. This study had the purpose of assessing family, peer, and college domain factors and substance use among female students at Thika and Nairobi campuses of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). The study‟s objectives focused on assessing the influences of family domain factors, peer domain factors, and college factors on substance use amongst female students at KMTC. The study adopted the ecological systems theory. Explanatory sequential mixed methods design (two- phase model) was used to collect quantitative data from participants on the subject; this was followed by collection of qualitative data through interview guide to get in-depth insight to help in explaining and elaborating the information gathered from the survey. The study population was 2474 female students. The study used stratified random sampling to select a sample of 344 respondents. Data from female students were gathered using semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides. The data from the questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency distributions, means, and percentages). Additionally, inferential statistics, correlation, and regression analysis were used to test the relationships between the study variables, while data from interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. The emergent findings were used to buttress the findings from questionnaires. The study results show that family domain factors had a significant influence on substance use among the female students at KMTC (β = 0.394; p <0.000). The values that female students got from their families continued to offer a protective edge against substance use among female students. Further, the findings show that peer domain factors had a significant negative influence on substance use among the female students at KMTC (β= 0.787; p = 0.000). In this regard, the similarity between peers is critical in influencing behaviour. Therefore, having peers who do not use substances and having peers who disapprove of substance use is expected to lead in preventing female students from engaging in substance use. Lastly, the study findings show that college factors had a significant negative influence on substance use among the female students at KMTC (β =0.312; p = 0.007). In this regard, having access to help services for substance use and having strict guidelines against substance use in college can be a significant protective factor against substance use. The study recommends that KMTC need to implement extensive substance prevention programs targeting female students to reduce risk factors associated with substance use. These should include guidance and counseling, peer counseling and mentorship programs and, advocacy campaigns. The interviews added that there was need to establish and finance advocacy programs backed by social media to enhance the dissemination of information on the negative influence of substance use.

Assessment of psychosocial factors influencing sexual orientation among students in tertiary institutions in Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya

2020-09-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of psychosocial factors influencing sexual orientation among students in tertiary institutions in Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya Muturi, Catherine, Wanjiku Over the last decades, views on sexual orientation have gradually but substantially changed globally, especially in the Western societies. In Africa, individuals whose sexual orientation is homosexual are a minority group that differs from heterosexual individuals, who are the majority, with respect to sexuality. There is an increase in population of young people in Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County due to an increase in number of tertiary institutions. The aim of the study was to check whether varied psychosocial dynamics influence sexual orientation of students. The purpose of the study was to assess psychosocial factors influencing sexual orientation among students in tertiary institutions in Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County. The study objectives sought to determine whether peer influence, family background, multicultural dynamics, and drug abuse influence sexual orientation among students in tertiary institutions. The study was guided by the Sexual Orientation theory, Durkheim’s Social Integration theory, and the Labelling theory. This research study adopted a correlational study design. The researcher targeted 13,100 students from public and private tertiary institutions in Thika sub-county in the following tertiary institutions: Jodan College of Technology, Thika Institute of Business Studies, Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences and the Thika Technical Training Institute. Through the use of Cochran sample size formula, 374 students were selected. The researcher collected data from 301 students. Data collection was collected through the students’ questionnaire and KII interview guide for counselors. A pilot test of 37 students was carried out to examine the reliability and validity of the research instruments. The questionnaire reliability was estimated by computing Cronbach alpha coefficient while validity of data collection instruments was ascertained through the university supervisors’ scrutiny. The study collected both quantitative and qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyze primary data. The four formulated hypotheses of the study were tested by use of Chi-square tests. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Science Program (SPSS) version 25. The tests were conducted at α = 0.05 level of significance. From the results, there was a statistically significant relationship between peer influence and sexual orientation (χ = 34.523, p = 0.05), there was a statistically significant relationship between peer influence and sexual orientation (χ = 72.098, p < 0.00), there was a statistically significant relationship between multicultural dynamics and sexual orientation (χ = 37.712, p = 0.02 < 0.05), and there was a statistically significant relationship between drug abuse and sexual orientation (χ = 58.009, p < 0.00). Therefore, peer influence, family background, multicultural dynamics and drug abuse had statistically significant influences on sexual orientation among students in tertiary institutions. The study recommended strengthening of counseling departments so as to reach out to many students. Parents and adult family members should provide favorable environments for children to grow with love, care, attention and protection. For further studies, it would be important to use segmentation analysis as well as a different research approach in assessing factors influencing sexual orientation among students in tertiary institutions.