Prevalent Religious and Spiritual Beliefs among College Students in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Higher learning institutions in Kenya are getting to be known for many beliefs, values, and social forces that influence students’ academic and social lives. Among these, religious and spiritual explanations have attracted much attention because they may shape behaviour, motivation, as well as academic attainments. This research extensively examined the prevalence of religious and spiritual beliefs among college students in Uasin Gishu County. The study employed Social Identity Theory (SIT), which provides crucial foundations for understanding how an individual’s beliefs can be internalised to determine learning behaviours, discipline, motivation, and educational attainment. The study adopted a descriptive research design. A combination of stratified and simple random sampling techniques was used. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). Data was analysed through descriptive statistics, including frequencies, means, and percentages. The results indicated that numerous students consider their spiritual and religious beliefs crucial to their moral growth and personal connections. The research concluded that common religious and spiritual beliefs among students act as essential resources for emotional support and moral growth. A variety of religious and spiritual beliefs enhances the learning atmosphere by fostering empathy, cooperation, and intellectual development when handled with respect and comprehension. The research recommended that colleges promote student exploration of how their faith can beneficially influence their educational objectives and individual growth.