STUDENT FACTORS INFLUENCING CHEATING IN UNDERGRADUATE EXAMINATIONS IN UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA

University examinations form the final and most integral part of assessing any student's acheivement, knowledge, skills, and attitudes. However, there has been a public outcry over the rise of irreqularities in primary, secondary, and even university examinations. The purpose of this research was to investigete the student factors which influenc cheating in the undergraduate university examinations. The study design was a descriptive suvey. A sample of fifty students and ten lecturers was selected using random sampling technique. Data were collected using a questionnaire, structured interview, and document analysis. A pilot study was carried out in the school of education in one of the public universities. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics generated with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme, and were presented by use of frequency tables. The results revealed that majority of the students do not attend lectures, and factors such as lack of preparedness for examinations, peer influence, pressure from work place, and students' lack of confidence were some of the factors contributing to cheating in examinations. Effective procedures and policies for management of examinations are also recommended to be put in place, strictly observed, and effective deterrrent measures be implemented. It was recommended that employers give off-days or study leave to staff who enroll for various courses.