African Journal of Empirical Research
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The Value of the Aims of Moral Education for Character Formation in Public Secondary Schools in Kakamega County, Kenya: A Phenomenological Approach
Get PDFHistorically, education has been responsible for imparting societal values, norms, customs, and expectations. Moral education lays the foundation of a happy society, economic progression, peace, and harmonious coexistence. However, many obstacles exist in realizing the moral ideal for character formation. The obstacles are related to curriculum content and instructional approaches of practicing teachers. Curriculum content areas such as Christian Religious Education, Hindu Religious Education, and Islamic Religious Education, primarily intended to promote the aims of moral education for character formation, are approached from mainly cognitive and exam-oriented perspectives. This is evidenced in the observable and undesirable behaviours of learners in school, such as school arson, premarital pregnancy, drug abuse, public indecency, and misuse of school and public resources. Therefore, this research sought to investigate the aims of moral education for character formation in public secondary schools in Kakamega County, Kenya: a phenomenological approach. Aristotelian theory of Eudaimonia guided the study. The phenomenological hermeneutical method was applied in the study. The study targeted 5,789 teachers including the deputy principals and Christian Religious Education teachers. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 15 participants from seven public secondary schools in Kakamega County. Unstructured interviews were employed to collect primary data. The study established that moral education for character formation is critical in addressing the perennial problems facing the education sector and the country. The study recommends that the government develop guidelines that can help in the progressive assessment of moral competencies
Ecosystem-based Adaptation Strategies for Flood Mitigation in Lake Naivasha Catchment, Kenya
Get PDFSeveral factors are affecting the hydrological cycles but human activities have played a major role in the experienced hydrological changes. Some human activities such as agriculture and industrialization have contributed to the change in the water balance through the extraction of water, construction of impoundments and climate change factors. The fluctuations in the water levels have effects on the ecosystem, as they interrupt the natural and breeding habitats of some animals such as the fish and other wildlife and the germination of coastal plants. Some of the methods used to mitigate floods in Kenya include the; establishment of early warning systems, establishment and improvement of infrastructure such as flood-resistant roads and bridges in affected areas, and community-driven initiatives such as the participatory mapping of flood-prone areas. Based on the Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) Theory, this study has incorporated a multi-faceted design of field surveys, observations, and stakeholder interviews to meet the following objective; to determine the ecosystem-based adaptation strategies for flood mitigation in the Lake Naivasha catchment. With a target population of 29,190, a sample size of n=395 comprising of stakeholders in different areas including fishermen, farmers, tour guides, and tourists and other residents was identified randomly and helped to collect data to determine the existing Ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) strategies for mitigating floods in the catchment. The study employed a descriptive correlational method comprising of combined quantitative and qualitative approaches to comprehensively assess severity of floods in the Lake Naivasha catchment, identify the existing EBA strategies in the catchment and understand their effectiveness in mitigating floods in the catchment. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Descriptive analysis was used and this included a chi-square test used to analyze categorical variables to examine any significant differences between occupation and awareness of ecosystem-based strategies among participants. The findings of this study indicated that EBA strategies such as agroforestry and afforestation were the highly adopted non-structural strategies while soil conservation terraces and rain-water harvesting were the highly adopted structural strategies and were highly effective in mitigating the floods hence combating the impacts of climate change (Sustainable Development Goal 13) such as flood risks, improving water quality and enhancing community resilience in Lake Naivasha catchment. From the study, 77.75% of the participants reported that they had experienced observable positive changes in flood occurrence with most of the residents (81.87%) who use afforestation and agroforestry claiming to have observed a reduction in floods occurrence in the catchment. From the study, the highly adopted non-structural EBA strategies were afforestation and agroforestry due to their co-benefits and government support while the least were mulching and cover cropping due to insufficient knowledge on the application methods. The study recommends that more research should be done to understand other flood mitigation measures to help reduce the impacts of severe floods in the catchment, awareness creation among more community members regarding EBA strategies, their effectiveness in flood mitigation and how the community members can participate at the individual and community levels in adopting these strategies
Factors Influencing Community’s Acceptance of Twitter (X) on Improving Information Access in Tanzania’s Police Force
Get PDFThis study was conducted to investigate the acceptance of Twitter (X) for improving information access in Tanzania’s Police Force. The specific objectives of the study were to assess the community’s perceived usefulness of Twitter (X) in improving information access and to examine the community’s perceived ease of use of Twitter (X) for enhancing information access in Tanzania. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) guided this research. The study employed a cross-sectional research design using a quantitative research approach, while a stratified sampling technique was utilized to select 154 respondents. The population comprised 250 Tanzania Police officials, from which a sample size of 154 respondents was determined using Yamane’s formula. Out of the 154 questionnaires issued, 100 were returned, resulting in a response rate of 64 percent. Data were collected through a questionnaire and analysed using descriptive analysis and inferential analysis through multiple linear regression. The study findings indicated that the community’s perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of Twitter (X) play significant roles in improving information access in Tanzania. The findings enhance the contribution of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by unveiling the importance of its major constructs—perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use—in influencing information access within the police community. The research concluded that the Tanzania Police Force’s access to Twitter (X) is significantly influenced by perceived ease of use. Law enforcement officials use the platform more frequently as it becomes easier to navigate and more intuitive. Therefore, this study recommends that digital platforms should be utilized as long as they are user-friendly and provide value to individuals
Assessment of the Land Use/Land Cover Change in Koitobos River Catchment, Trans Nzoia County, Kenya
Get PDFGlobally, many countries are facing pressure to meet the livelihood needs of their fast-growing populations. This often leads to overuse of natural resources and consequent encroachment on fragile ecosystems such as river catchments and riparian areas mostly in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the implication of land use, land cover changes on surface water acreage in the Koitobos River catchment. Specifically, the study assessed the extent of land use/land cover changes with data being based on Landsat images pertaining to the period of study, 1992 - 2022. The research design used was correlations where the Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Remote sensing techniques were used for the analysis with in-depth review of journals and research reports. A sample size of 384 respondents, according to Krejcie, & Morgan as drawn from a target population of 203,821 residents within the study area. The survey data was analyzed using SPSS software version 25 and the Microsoft excel. The results were presented in form of frequencies, charts, maps, and tables. The findings of Land Use/Land Cover Change for the years 1995, 2009 and 2022, showed that Agricultural Land covered most of the study area with a cover of 26,853Ha, (58%), 32,438 Ha (70%), and 36,118Ha (77.68%) respectively. When transitioning through the years, thus shows drastic increased changes in area. This was followed by bare land area which covered an area of 14,915 Ha (32%), 8,093 Ha, (17%) and 6175 Ha (13.28%) for the years 1995, 2009, and 2022 respectively, of the entire catchment area which extremely decreased transitionally as the agricultural land increased due to the pressure exerted on the resource. The forest land showed a drastic decreasing trend through the transitional period from a cover of 2242 Ha (5%) to 1647 Ha (4%) and then 222 Ha (0.48%), due to an increasing demand for space by the growing population as depicted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reports, which increasingly resulted to deforestation activities. The coverage for the agricultural land in the years 1995, 2009, and 2022 spread all over the area separated by patches of bare lands, water, and forests. The population of the study area in 2009, was 166,524 persons and 203,821 persons in 2019, within an area of 465.3 square Kilometers with residents’ density of 438.0 per square kilometer. The study found out that due to a 2% (percent) annual population change over the period 2009 to 2019, this resulted in an increased demand for food production and therefore concluded that environmental policies and laws needed to be adopted together with sustainable land management practices for healing and conserving biodiversity in Koitobos river catchment. The study therefore recommended the adoption of sustainable land use management practices that continually have the potential to heal the land and conserve biodiversity in Koitobos river catchment
Effect of Teachers Attitudes towards Teaching on Students’ Performance in Mathematics Subject in Public Day Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case of Huye District
Get PDFThe study investigated how teachers\u27 attitudes toward teaching influenced students\u27 academic progress in mathematics in a public secondary school in Huye District. Specifically, the research identifies the teachers\u27 attitudes toward teaching that could influence the achievement of pupils in Mathematics-related subjects in public day secondary schools in Huye district. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study used a combined method approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data to examine how teachers\u27 attitudes influence their teaching practices in Mathematics. Purposive and random sampling were applied to select sectors, schools, and participants, allowing for systematic data collection and analysis on teachers\u27 attitudes and their influence on students’ performance. The target population for this study was 200, including 3 sector educational officers, 5 head teachers, 25 mathematics teachers and 167 Mathematics students; and the Yamane method was used to calculate a sample size of 134 respondents including 2 sector educational officers, 3 Head teachers, 15 teachers and 114 students. Primary data sources included surveys, while secondary data came from observation and interview methods. This study used purposive, stratified and simple random sampling procedures to create a sample group of respondents. The research collected and analyzed data using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Content analysis helped with qualitative data analysis, while quantitative data was presented in SPSS Version 21.0 utilizing statistical methods such as descriptive (frequency, percentage, imply and deviation from the mean) and inferential statistics (correlational and regression analysis). For the study objective, the results show that 76.3% strongly agreed that teachers\u27 communication skills, 69.3% strongly agreed that effective goal-setting, 64.9% strongly agreed that lesson preparation, 61.4% strongly agreed that lesson preparation, 78.1% strongly accepted that professional commitment, and 68.0% highly agreed that adaptability and flexibility reflect my teachers\u27 attitudes toward teaching. 64.9% strongly agreed that early arrival in class during the teaching lesson reflects the teachers\u27 attitudes toward teaching. The study found a strong positive correlation between exams, test results, and factors like interpersonal skills, goal-setting, lesson preparation, and professional commitment, which all contributed to improved student performance. The researcher concluded that early attendance and communication skills of teachers were also linked to positive educational outcomes, with tests enhancing performance across subjects. With a p-value below 0.05, the study showed that active class participation boosts effectiveness. Recommendations included improving teacher attitudes towards math, enhancing confidence, making Math enjoyable, investing in teacher training, providing resources and encouraging community involvement in Math careers. Regular follow-ups and ongoing professional development for teachers were also advised
Evaluation of population genetics of Moringa oleifera Provenances from Coastal Kenya using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) markers
Get PDFPopulation genetics analysis is a prerequisite to understanding how and why genotypes and allele frequencies and change over time between and within populations. Consequently, it offers insight into the process of evolutionary change and makes it possible to map variants linked to traits that differ among populations. In the present study, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) markers were utilized to study the genetic characterization of 17 provenances from the Coast region of Kenya. 164 genotypes of Moringa oleifera were selected from 17 populations and genome sequencing undertaken utilizing genotyping by sequencing (GBS). Identification of polymorphisms (SNP Calling) in the selected genotypes and population genetic studies were carried out. SNP calling was done by Illumina’s SNP caller algorithm in the CASAVA software. 20,921 SNPs were called with an average call rate of 0.82. Average polymorphsm content (PIC) for the SNPs was 0.24 and reproducibility was 0.98. A phenetic tree was constructed using a neighbor-joining approach using DArT R. For the population genetics analysis, F statistic (Fst) utilising the functions StAMPP package in DArT R was performed whereby Gede and Samburu exhibited the least heterozygosity/correlation with a value of 0.0003 whereas Pwani University and Samburu had the highest correlation of genes at 0.37. Euclidean was used as a measure distance, and the average distance between the populations was 33.024. The molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) described a lower, 2.55%, variation within the population and 2.73% among the populations. The high similarity between the genotypes could be attributed to the Moringa plants in the various provenances having the same ancestry. This study may help identify links between gene allelic forms and phenotypes, allowing the alleles to be connected to desired characteristics such as rapid growth and high yield (functional analysis), because of the high frequency of SNPs and their role as a source of allele variations
Assessing the Determinants Influencing Land Use and Land Cover Change on Land under Maize Cultivation in Likuyani Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya
Get PDFFor numerous years, human activities have involved modifying land to sustain basic needs like food which has brought various changes on the Earth\u27s surface. Likuyani Sub County is endowed with good climatic conditions for farming and human settlements. The main cause is rapid population increase, which leads to the division of land into smaller and less profitable units. The objective of the study was; to assess determinants influencing (LULCC) Land use Land cover Change in the maize-cultivating areas of Likuyani Sub County Kakamega County, Kenya from 1997 to 2017. The research employed a descriptive and correlational research design. A study sample size of 286 respondents was used. The data collection tools used were questionnaires and Registry Index Maps which were analyzed using SPSS and ArcGIS 10.3 software respectively. The findings from this study showed that land subdivision, population, market forces and crop diversification affected land use and land cover changes on land used for maize cultivation in Likuyani Sub County from 1997 to 2017. Regression analysis statistical techniques revealed the detrimental impact of land alterations on land under maize cultivation. The study recommends restriction of crop diversification in maize growing areas and minimum land size of one hectare. The study informs policymakers to address gaps in land management and reserve land as a means of sustaining livelihoods. The study concludes that that land use and cover dynamics arose due to dynamicity of human activity
Assessing Students’ Perceptions of Moodle Usage for Teaching and Learning: A Case of College of Business Education, Dar es Salaam Campus, Tanzania
Get PDFThe advancement of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) has stimulated the development of new learning experiences through using software applications or platforms that deliver, manage and track educational or training programs in the universities. Through the use of blended learning, e-learning platforms like moodle have improved learning experience by integrating virtual classes, video conferencing, presentations, and testing in education delivery. This study aims to show how students perceive the use of moodle for teaching and learning at the College of Business Education (CBE) Dar es Salaam Campus in Tanzania. The study was guided by was guided by the Connectivism Theory (CT). The study adopted a case design because it used a short period of time and constructed at a single case study at College of Business Education (CBE). The target population was 11,924 students from the College of Business Education (CBE) who used moodle as their learning platform. Probability sampling specifically simple random sampling was used to attain the sample size of 374 respondents. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed in the study.The quantitative data was collected through the Likert scale questionnaire was processed through coding, tabulating and analysis using MS excel. Further, the processed and analyzed results for research questions two and three were produced statistically using tables and figures. Apparently, the qualitative data were recorded and immediately transcribed, shared with the respondents for collection in case there were mistakes made, edited, summarized, tabulated and presented in the narrative. Also, the thematic-content analysis was undertaken to analyze the qualitative data obtained through the semi-structured interview and then presented using Tables of summaries and narratives. In addition, the presentation and discussion of the findings were triangulated during the presentation of the responses for each research question. The findings revealed that the integration of moodle into the learning process has enhanced the overall quality of teaching and learning and blended learning through moodle has improved understanding of the course materials. The study recommended that the curriculum designers and policymakers at the college should develop policies that promote the effective use of technology in education including guidelines for implementing moodle in blended learning environments to ensure equitable access to quality education for all students
Antibiotic Resistance in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria
Get PDFMycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) antibiotic resistance presents an important challenge to the treatment of mycobacterial infections. The therapeutic approaches are complicated by the resistance of both MTB and NTM to a variety of antibiotics. Resistance to first-line drugs such as isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and streptomycin has been consistently increasing in MTB, underscoring the necessity of effective treatment strategies. Conversely, the necessity of species-specific treatment regimens is underscored by the high resistance rates of NTM species, such as Mycobacterium avium complex, M. kansasii, and M. abscessus complex, to commonly used anti-tuberculosis pharmaceuticals. A combination of intrinsic and acquired factors are involved in the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in these mycobacteria. Features such as biofilm formation, thick cell walls, and reduced drug uptake are responsible for intrinsic resistance in NTM, whereas acquired resistance can develop as a result of protracted antibiotic exposure. Understanding these resistance mechanisms is essential for the development of new therapies and the prevention of the increasing prevalence of drug resistance in mycobacterial infections. The significance of continuous surveillance, species-specific treatment protocols, and the development of novel antimicrobial agents to effectively manage mycobacterial diseases is emphasized by the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in MTB and NTM. This review article focuses on the molecular mechanisms that have resulted in the development of resistance in both MTB and NTMs, as well as the extent to which various classes of antimycobacterial drugs act
Impacts of Electronic Media Strategies on Curbing Female Genital Mutilation [FGM] in Narok County, Kenya
Get PDFFemale Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a deeply entrenched cultural practice despite global condemnation as a violation of human rights and a public health issue. This study investigated the impact of electronic media strategies on curbing FGM in Narok County, Kenya. The objectives were to assess how electronic media content development strategy, electronic media engagement, electronic media partnership techniques and audience analysis used in curbing female genital mutilation [FGM] in Narok County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the social learning theory, and adopted a descriptive research design. The target population included community member aged 18 to 60, chiefs, assistant chiefs, media professionals, journalists, editors, and religious leaders, with a sample of 365 respondents determined using Krejcie and Morgan tables. The study used a combination of purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. The study collected quantitative data using structured questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed using drop-and-pick and electronic methods while upholding confidentiality and privacy. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS in the form of descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Further, inferential statistics was done to establish the strength of the relationship between the study variables. The findings revealed that all four electronic media strategies had a positive and significant influence on curbing FGM in Narok County. Results revealed that holding other factors constant, curbing FGM practices stood at 2.015. Also, holding other factor constant, a unit change in content development reduced the FGM by 0.216 units. Further, Standardized coefficient of 0.080 indicates a positive relationship between engagement techniques and curbing FGM, suggesting that for each one-unit increase in engagement techniques, curbing FGM increases by 0.092 units. Further, The unstandardized coefficient is 0.133 depicted by the variable electronic media partnership technique, revealed that every one-unit increase in electronic media partnership technique, there is an expected increase of 0.133 units in curbing FGM. Lastly, the unstandardized coefficient is 0.019 depicted by the variable audience analysis, revealed that the relationship between audience analysis and curbing FGM is very weak and not statistically significant, indicating that audience analysis does not have a meaningful influence on efforts to curb FGM in this context. It concluded that well-designed media strategies, particularly content development, can significantly improve community awareness and transform attitudes toward FGM. The study recommended that since electronic media partnership techniques significantly influence curbing FGM, media organizations should form strategic alliances with NGOs, government agencies, and local leaders. Also, given the positive relationship between engagement techniques and curbing FGM, electronic media should prioritize interactive strategies, such as hosting live discussions