Study Shows High Levels of Stress Among University Students

Recent research in Kenya has revealed that stress is alarmingly common among university students, significantly affecting their academic performance and mental well‑being. A cross-sectional study at the University of Nairobi found that 64.4% of students report moderate to high levels of stress, which was also associated with lower academic achievement.
Another study published in 2024 by Kenyatta University explored how psychosocial support and coping strategies impact students’ success. The findings indicated that mental health and social support are critical to academic performance, and that students use a variety of coping methods—some healthy (like talking to friends), others less so.
Researchers have also identified the main sources of stress: financial burdens, academic pressure, and interpersonal challenges. In a survey of undergraduate students at a private university (Kabarak University), 38.6% cited academic pressure and 34.1% named financial problems as the top stressors. Additionally, a study at a public university found that stress significantly correlates with substance use.
Health experts warn that these stress levels put students at risk for more serious mental distress, including anxiety and depression. They call for universities to scale up mental health services, strengthen peer support systems, and offer more tailored counselling to help students navigate academic and financial stressors.