Study Finds Increased Stress Among Students

Recent research highlights a worrying trend of elevated stress levels among students in Kenya, driven by financial struggles, academic pressure, and family issues. A large-scale study involving 9,741 students — from high schools, colleges, and universities — found that up to 30% experience mild to severe stress. The leading causes? Financial worries, uncertainty about the future, and family-related problems.
Another study at Pwani University assessed 1,424 students for anxiety, depression, and psychosis. It found that students from unsupportive families were particularly vulnerable: first‑year students had rates as high as 40.7% for mental health conditions. The study recommends targeted mental health support — especially for younger students and those facing difficult family situations.
In a private university study, researchers identified key determinants of stress among undergraduates: time pressure, financial stress, interpersonal conflicts, and academic demands. According to the authors, universities should strengthen their counselling services and incorporate stress‑management programs — such as assertiveness training and time‑management workshops — into student life.
Experts warn that the rising stress burden is not just a mental health concern but a public health issue. According to a literature review, factors like substance use, poor social support, and family conflict are linked to mental distress among university students. They argue that universities need to adopt a holistic approach — with peer support, drop-in counselling, and mental wellness education — to help students cope better.