Prevalence and Impact of Stress on Behaviour of Matatu Drivers in Nairobi
Loading...
Date
2015-02-21
Authors
Mutero, Cyprian C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Matatu drivers in Kenya may often encounter high number of stressful situations such as being uncertain about the possibility of meeting a set target of revenue by the employer, having to drive on bad roads, encountering traffic jam, high possibility of being arrested by traffic police, and being threatened by terror gangs. Using Conservation of Resources theory and Palmer's stress model, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and effects of stress on matatu drivers in Nairobi with a view of suggesting possible solutions to driving problems that may arise as a result of stress. An explanatory case study research design was used in this study. Out of the 18000 matatu drivers, the targeted population was 304 drivers of matatus plying the route
from Nairobi city center to Kenyatta University entrance and the route from Nairobi city center to Kawangware. Using systematic random sampling technique, a sample size of sixty drivers was selected for the study. Questionnaires and focused group discussions were used for data collection. Simple descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, percentages and ranks were used to explain the meaning of the collected data. Charts, graphs or tables were also used to give clear analysis of data collected using the structured questions. The findings of this study show that matatu drivers go through various challenges that make them experience stress. The stress experienced by the matatu drivers can be prevented or managed by: reducing the number of daily working hours; coming up with strategies to deal with corruption issues in the matatu industry; ensuring matatu drivers sign a proper job contract agreement with the employers;
Improve road infrastructure in Nairobi; and teach matatu drivers various stress management skills.
Description
Department of Psychology, 99pg. 2009.