Influence of Students’ Personality Traits on Academic Dishonesty in Public Secondary Schools in Makueni County, Kenya

Lydia Muthili Kimanzi – Mount Kenya University
Anne Muiru – Lecturer Kirinyaga University
Ruth Thinguri – Mount Kenya University
Email: lydiamuthilikimanzi@gmail.com

Abstract: There is a worldwide concern about academic dishonesty and more so in African countries. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of students’ personality traits on academic dishonesty in public secondary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. This study was informed by Psychosocial Dynamic Theory and Theory of Planned Behaviour . The investigation used mixed methodology and the concurrent triangulation design. The sample size was 802 which consisted of 750 students sampled randomly, 25 principals and 25 teachers sampled purposively. There was 1 SCDE and 1 CDE purposively sampled. The research tools utilized were questionnaires for principals, teachers and students, and interviews for SCDEs and the County Director of Education. The study findings were that, personality traits significantly influence academic dishonesty. The study established that there was need to improve on the students’ personality traits . It was recommended that integrating interventions like introduction of competent, experienced and professional counsellors in schools was necessary to eliminate academic dishonesty.