International Research Journal of Rongo University

INFLUENCE OF INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY ON STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS LEARNING GEOGRAPHY IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Luke Nato Wakhungu — 2025-10-15

This mixed-methods study evaluates technology integration in Geography classrooms across 102 public secondary schools in Siaya County, Kenya - an early adopter of NEPAD's digital education initiative. Combining questionnaires, interviews, and observations, the study identified three critical findings: (1) 89.6% of teachers lack preparation for tech-integrated lessons despite 100% punctuality, (2) 75% of students report disengagement during standard tech lessons, yet (3) 93.8% show enthusiasm for collaborative tech projects. Statistical analysis (χ²=9.10, p=0.011 for GIS enjoyment; ρ=0.50, p<0.001 for teacher preparedness impacts) reveals that current implementation fails to leverage technology's potential due to inadequate training and curriculum misalignment. Teacher preparedness strongly predicts adoption (β = 0.72, p < 0.05), and GIS-based lessons significantly boost engagement (χ² = 9.10, p = 0.011). Solutions include increasing annual teacher training to 15-30 hours, implementing a 1:50 device-sharing model, and shifting toward project-based learning. Policy recommendations call for reducing CBE content by 30%, allocating 15% of KCSE marks to Geo-technology tasks, and creating county-level teacher support hubs. For low-resource schools, QR-augmented printed maps offer scalable alternatives that increase quality learning through it’s associated learning engagement benefits. The study demonstrates that while mandatory tech adoption under Kenya's CBE curriculum has stagnated, project-based learning emerges as a promising alternative. The study recommends targeted teacher professional development (minimum 15 annual training hours), device-sharing protocols (1:50 student-tablet ratio), and policy reforms allocating 15% of KCSE marks to practical tech tasks. These evidence-based solutions address the identified preparedness gaps while respecting resource constraints.

PRESENCE OF ILLICIT DRUG METABOLITES IN THE INFLUENT OF A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN ELDORET, KENYA

John Kevine Ochieng — 2025-11-07

The increased occurrence of illicit and medical drug residues in urban wastewater raises new environmental and public health problems. Conventional monitoring methods are frequently expensive, invasive, and have limited population coverage, rendering them unsuitable for routine community surveillance. This study used wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to investigate the prevalence and temporal trends of selected drug metabolites in influent wastewater from a treatment facility in Eldoret, Kenya. From February to May 2025, weekly composite influent samples were collected and analysed using solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Six metabolites were consistently identified: amphetamines, methylhexanamine, 19-norandrosterone, 3′-hydroxy-stanozolol, erythropoietin (EPO), and cocaine derivatives. Amphetamine concentrations peaked in February (50.0 ± 0.10 ng/L) and gradually fell, while anabolic steroid metabolites exhibited a moderate but consistent fall. Methylhexanamine levels remained rather steady throughout the study period, but cocaine metabolites showed up occasionally, indicating sporadic community usage. The discovery of EPO (0.003 ng/L) revealed WBE's great analytical sensitivity in detecting low-level biomarkers in complicated wastewater mixtures. Overall, the findings emphasise WBE as a viable, non-invasive, and cost-effective method for monitoring community-level drug exposure and producing real-time local information on emergent substance-use trends. This study presents the first baseline dataset of drug-related metabolites in Kenyan wastewater, paving the way for WBE's future integration into national environmental and public health surveillance regimes.

MEDIA APPROACHES IN TUNGIASIS AWARENESS CREATION: A CASE STUDY OF VIHIGA COUNTY, KENYA

Brian Ogembo — 2025-11-07

Tungiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by the Tunga penetrans flea, remains a critical public health challenge in Vihiga County, Kenya, predominantly affecting socio-economically disadvantaged populations. Despite its high prevalence, awareness within the local community is minimal, with health communication efforts playing a significant role in the lack of awareness. Media approaches, particularly those designed for rural settings, can provide vital support in disseminating disease-related information. However, the effectiveness of these communication strategies in rural Kenya, specifically concerning Tungiasis, is understood. This study examines the media approaches employed to raise awareness about Tungiasis in Vihiga County and evaluates their effectiveness. Anchored in the pragmatic research philosophy, the study adopted a cross-sectional research design employing mixed method approach. Quantitative data were collected from 400 community respondents selected through purposive sampling, while qualitative insights were drawn from eight Key Informant Interviews and eight Focus Group Discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that 62% of respondents had seen or heard Tungiasis awareness messages, primarily through community events and outreach programs (49.7%). ANOVA results showed a significant difference in the perceived effectiveness of media approaches (F=6.374, p<0.001). Post-hoc analysis indicated that healthcare providers and radio/TV were significantly more effective than family/friends and printed materials in raising awareness. Qualitative results supported these findings, highlighting radio and community health promoters as the most trusted and accessible communication channels, particularly during outbreaks. Participants valued interactive community radio programs and visual materials for their clarity and inclusiveness. The study concludes that Tungiasis awareness in Vihiga County relies heavily on interpersonal and community-based media, though integrating mass media and digital tools could enhance message reach and consistency. An integrated, multimodal communication strategy that combines traditional media with digital technologies is recommended to enhance disease prevention efforts and community engagement.