University Students’ Perceptions and Experiences of Quid Pro Quo Transactions in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which quid pro quo transactions commonly known as 'sexual economy', 'sexual transactions', 'sexual corruption' and 'transactional sex' occur in the universities, especially in Kenya. Use of cross-sectional survey design, allowed the researcher to collect qualitative data from 16 female and 14 male students sampled using a number of procedures; namely volunteer, simple random and snowball sampling. Use of in-depth interviews to collect data gave the researcher an opportunity to obtain direct and indirect real-life experiences on quid pro quo transactions. Discourse or content analysis was used to analyse stories and narratives in line with different forms of quid pro quo transactions. The researcher identified, coded and categorised primary data patterns in form of words, sentences and phrases from the written narratives and stories from male and female students. For purposes of privacy and confidentiality, the researcher used codes to present ‘verbatim’ data. Findings from the study show that quid pro quo transactions (sexually transmited marks; money and material benefits, and access to halls of residence) is a common occurrence among university students. Empowerment programmes (economic and life skills) are necessary if male and female students and sometimes staff are to refrain from quid pro quo transactions, which is characterised with negative and devastating consequences.