Vices in Competitve Sports and Barriers That Hinder Inculcating Values among Learners in Primary and Secondary Schools Kenya

Education systems worldwide aim to not only impart knowledge but also instill values among learners. In Kenya, this objective faces several vices and barriers that hinder the effective inculcation of values in primary and secondary schools. Despite efforts to promote values in educational settings, vices such as cheating, fighting, and drug use remain prevalent in competitive sports within Kenyan schools. The objective of the study was to explore the prevalence of vices and the barriers hindering the inculcation of values among learners in primary and secondary schools in Kenya, particularly within the context of competitive sports. The study employed a mixed-method approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from schools across 24 counties, targeting school administrators, teachers, learners, and key informants. The sample included head teachers, teachers, learners, and stakeholders from various community sectors. Data collection instruments included questionnaires, interview schedules, and focus group discussions, with pre-testing to ensure reliability and validity. The findings highlight significant challenges in promoting values within the educational system. Vices such as cheating (39.3%), fighting (24.0%), and drug use (18.0%) are prevalent in competitive sports, undermining the ethos of sportsmanship and creating adverse environments for value promotion. Despite efforts to implement value-based education, barriers such as peer pressure (36.2%), lack of role models (45.1%), heavy academic workloads, and the influence of social media persist, impeding the effective inculcation of values among learners. In conclusion, the study indicates that vices such as cheating, fighting, and drug use are prevalent in competitive sports within Kenyan schools, posing significant challenges to the promotion of values among learners. To address these challenges, the study suggests several interventions. Strengthening value-based education through curriculum integration and ethical teachings that can foster critical thinking and ethical behavior among learners. Additionally, implementing stricter oversight and penalties for examination malpractices are necessary to maintain academic integrity.