Factors Influencing Secondary School Students’ Participation in Competitive Sports- a Case Study of Secondary Schools in Westlands Sub-county, Nairobi County.

Abstract

Active engagement in structured sport and recreation activities in school sport programmes has multiple benefits. It is, therefore, important for students to consistently engage and adhere to physical education and sports programmes. However, the level of participation in physical education and sports in secondary schools is on the decline. The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing secondary school students’ participation in competitive sports in secondary schools in Westlands Sub-County. The objectives of the study were: to examine the influence of social relationship on participation in competitive sports among secondary school students, to determine the influence of gender on participation in competitive sports among secondary school students, to determine the influence of playing experience on participation in competitive sports among secondary school students ;and to investigate the influence of household’s income on participation in competitive sports among secondary school students. Investigation of these objectives was guided by self-determination theory (SDT) and cross-sectional analytical research design. Stratified random sampling technique was employed to select schools that participated in competitive sports between 2016 and 2019. A sample size of 384 students was randomly selected. Questionnaires were used to collect data from students. Data collected from the field was processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Pearson Correlation (r) at a level of significance of 0.05 probability was used to determine relationship of variables. The analyzed data was presented using tables and figures. Findings revealed that majority of the participants were engaged in soccer, athletes and swimming and rugby 7 had the least number of participants. Most students who participated in competitive sports got support and encouragement from parents who liked them and encouraged them when playing. Findings further indicated that gender had a positive and a light influence on students’ participation in competitive sports. The study findings further revealed that play experience influenced students’ participation in competitive sports in the schools under study. The study concluded that there was significant positive correlation between students’ participation in competitive sports and such factors as social relationship (r=0.186, p=0.02) and gender (r = 0.146, p= 0.01). Playing experience had no significant effect on the level of students’ participation in competitive sports (r =0.034ns, p=0.268). There was a significant negative correlation was noted between the household’s income and students’ participation in competitive sports (r = -0.137, p= 0.146). The study recommended that the Ministry of Education, through the county Director of Education should ensure that all secondary schools have basic sports facilities and equipment in order to promote sports participation hence, school disconnectedness. The study also recommended that school principals should ensure every student identifies themselves with a sport. This can be done by requesting that each student register and participate in sport while in school.