International Research Journal of Rongo University http://journals.rongovarsity.ac.ke/index.php/IJORU <p>IJORU is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that encourages scholarly discourse across various disciplines. It publishes original research articles, review papers, case studies, conceptual papers, and conference proceedings in areas such as Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Education, Business, Economics, and Management, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Health and Medical Sciences, Information and Communication Technology, and Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Studies. The journal accepts manuscripts and publishes on a rolling basis.</p> en-US <p><strong>Creative Commons (CC)</strong> <strong>BY Attribution</strong></p> ijoru@rongovarsity.ac.ke (Dr. John Justo Ambuchi Ph.D. (Editor in Chief)) jnakitare@rongovarsity.ac.ke (Joel Nakitare) Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000 OJS 3.3.0.11 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 PERSONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING USE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY DURING TEACHING PRACTICE AMONG RONGO UNIVERSITY STUDENT - TEACHERS IN KENYA http://journals.rongovarsity.ac.ke/index.php/IJORU/article/view/58 <p><em>This research examined personal factors influencing information communication and technology (ICT) integration in teaching and learning by student teachers during teaching practice in secondary schools in Kenya. Specific objectives were to investigate the influence of knowledge and education of teachers on the use of ICT and determine the influence of gender on the use of ICT. The study used descriptive survey research design since the researcher was interested in finding out the characteristics of the population as it was. The target population was all the 604 student teachers who participated in teaching practice during the 2023 session. Ten percent was used as the determinant of the sample size. In that case, the sample size was 60 student teachers. The methods of data collection were questionnaires and observation used to check the physical use of electronic media facilities. The computer programme, SPSS version 21 was used in the quantitative data analysis. Results of this data analysis were presented using frequency distribution tables. Logistic Regression analysis was done to determine the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable. Teacher competence was found to significantly influence integration of ICT in teaching and learning among the sampled student teachers. The study concluded that effective integration of technology into classroom practices poses a challenge to teachers. The factor that influenced integration of ICT was teacher competencies in ICT. The empirical evidence in this research highlights the importance of implementing ICT training programs for teachers to encourage greater and better use of ICT and to take advantage of the potential benefits of these tools. In this case, recommendations are made along the lines of promoting ICT training for teachers from the educational centres themselves with internal training and group dynamics among teachers to compare experiences in the use of ICT. In this context of the increased role of ICT in schools, all the recommendations made in this research should be considered to take advantage of the improvement of teacher training in ICT and to develop educational policies or carry out actions to promote ICT use. Nevertheless, the results presented in this research may be useful for other countries, in the absence of being corroborated with their own research. In this sense, it should be noted that ICT is a global phenomenon that is bursting into society and the educational system in all countries, so it is to be expected that the conclusions reached in this research can also be adopted in other areas. The study therefore recommends schools to provide teachers with regular trainings and seminars on how to adopt ICT in the teaching and learning process, as well as adopt policies that guide structured integration of ICT in the process of teaching and learning. </em></p> Nick Namunga Waswa Copyright (c) 2025 International Research Journal of Rongo University https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 http://journals.rongovarsity.ac.ke/index.php/IJORU/article/view/58 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000 A REVIEW OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT POLICY FRAMEWORKS SUPPORT FOR ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN KISUMU COUNTY, KENYA. http://journals.rongovarsity.ac.ke/index.php/IJORU/article/view/59 <p><em>Ecotourism is responsible travelling to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving community well-being. It relies on quality public transport systems and infrastructure for connectivity and mobility. Kenya's Vision 2030 socio-economic development blueprint has influenced transport infrastructure improvements in the previous two decades. Like many other counties, Kisumu County has developed plans to harness its potential through commerce, tourism, and infrastructure. Kenya has adopted legal, policy, and administrative frameworks governing this development, some of which mirror sector legislation at county, national, and international levels. A study conducted between January 2020 and June 2021 examined the integration of public transportation infrastructure planning into ecotourism development in Kisumu County. The research aimed to investigate how existing policy frameworks on public transport supported ecotourism development, highlighting the lack of sufficient scientific data linking public transport infrastructure development support for ecotourism as an impediment to sustainable development outcomes in Kenya. A qualitative research design was employed, with data obtained through purposive key informant interviews drawn from the private sector, civil society, development agencies, and both tiers of government with responses analysed thematically. A desk review of relevant documents was conducted. It identified legal instruments which were subjected to a SWOT analysis. The study highlighted the importance of policy, legal, and institutional arrangements in development. It found that existing public transport frameworks cover public health, safety, natural resource management, public engagement, rights, environmental quality, and physical planning which are necessary for ecotourism development. It noted that these provisions are scattered across various sectors, posing challenges to effective administration. The study concludes that while there are no direct provisions for ecotourism development in the country, significant public transport instruments also support its development. To achieve sustained development across sectors, an aggregated approach is needed for effective collaboration and coordination among relevant entities.</em></p> Antony Owuor Okeyo, Z. Ngalo Otieno-Ayayo, Victor A. O. Odenyo Copyright (c) 2025 International Research Journal of Rongo University https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 http://journals.rongovarsity.ac.ke/index.php/IJORU/article/view/59 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000