Institutional Factors Influencing Undergraduate Students’ Attitude towards Studying of Physical Education at the University of Nairobi

The purpose of the present study was to assess the institutional factors dictating the attitudes of undergraduate students towards studying of physical education at the University of Nairobi. Targeting 910 students, 273 participants were sampled. The study used cross-sectional survey design and self-administered questionnaire to solicit data from the informants. After coding, the data was analyzed by the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences after its entry into the computer. Using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation, the gathered data was analyzed. Of the participants, 36.7% revealed that they didn’t have formal physical education classes in their previous secondary schools. Of the student-teacher respondents, 11.0% reported that they chose to pursue physical education in the university after the first day of orientation. Moreover, 11.4% of the respondents indicated that the reason they didn’t pursue PE was because it was full of physical activities that they didn’t like. Generally, institutional factors such as curriculum content, facilities and scholarships plays an influential role in the students’ attitudes towards physical education. This study recommended that universities to establish programs that enlightens students on the importance of physical activities and career opportunities that are available in physical education and to improve the attitude of students towards physical activities universities should make sure there is sufficient sports facilities and equipment.