History Case

This chapter aims at defining geography, operational terms, the national goals of teaching geography and the relationship of geography with other disciplines.

This paper will also aim at discussing the importance of geography and how it strengthens Kenya's competitiveness in global economy.

Definitions;

* Geography

The term simply covers drawing and description of the earth. Geography is concerned with location and distribution of phenomena in space. The concept of space distinguishes geography from other subjects. Geography is concerned with description and spatial distribution of phenomena including man and their interrelationship with earth service.

* Space

Space means the location of things on space. It is a major concern for a geographer. How various features are distributed on the earth surface.

* Location

The components here are direction and distance. Sites and situations.

* Phenomena

Things and features the geographer is interested in describing and explaining. Both the location and distribution on the earth surface can be physical and good examples are landforms, climate and vegetation. Distribution

This is the main distinguishing feature from other disciplines. The spatial distribution of phenomena can be plotted on maps of any given regions on earth surface The maps form a basis on which geographers can describe and explain spatial arrangements of the phenomena and the underlying factors.

* Interrelationships

The earth surface is an area of intense interactions that is both physical and human interactions. There is a notion of interdependence. The interaction and interdependence of phenomena can influence the occurrence of geographical phenomena on space. The notion of space, location, distribution, spatial interaction, interrelationship of elements on earth surface distinguishes Geography from other disciplines.

Geography is related to many other subjects, other disciplines rely on geography similarly, geography relies on them. For example, English is used as a media of instruction, environmental studies is also part of geography. A subject like civics deals with governance and development of policies that govern the environment. Other disciplines that relate closely with geography are: agriculture, commerce, demography and economics. The above mentioned disciplines study an economic activity that's why geography in a special way is contributing towards strengthening Kenya's competitiveness in global economy. Lee, R (1997).

The school curriculum and the geography syllabus are clear on what should be taught in our schools. Teaching should aim at delivering skills and knowledge required by the national goals. Once the skills and content are carefully taught, geography fulfills the following functions: it is a vehicle for child development and self fulfillment. It also helps students to live and place themselves in the world to learn their true positions and what duties are in making the world a better place to live in.

Geography fosters international understanding and gaining necessary knowledge of other countries. The main important goal is the aspect of conciseness and interrelationship.

2.0 GEOGRAPHY AND KENYA'S GLOBAL ECONOMY COMPETITIVENESS

Geography has strengthened Kenya's global economy in various ways. The subject is so vital in the country's economy. The following are ways in which geography contributes to the strengthening of Kenya's competitiveness in global economy;

The study of the earth's solar system provides valuable information to human activities like space exploration and aviation. Aviation is one of the most reliable and fastest means of transport. Air transport aids international trade. Through the knowledge of space, it makes it easy for the concerned in aviation industry to schedule flights and even give advice where deemed necessary. Kenya exports many products to other countries. Perishable goods are exported through air. The knowledge space gained through geography has supported this industry. Dicken (2003).

Changes in the space have to be noted on time to time to avoid ugly incidences. Incase of drastic climate change, sometimes flights are cancelled.

Geography is also a tool of better citizenship. This comes through the study of other peoples' environment. It promotes appreciation and understanding amongst the people. Development comes when people understand and appreciate one another. Ideas form other people can easily be borrowed. No man is an island.

Kenya cannot stand and develop on its own without relating with other nations. Geography helps promote international understanding. Various regions of the world are keenly studied. Comparisons of policies, development agendas, strategies, challenges and solutions are also looked into. These comparisons help in improvement of areas of weaknesses and strengthening strong areas.

Combes (2008) states that, regional economic geography, examines the economic conditions of various places or countries of the world. It deals with economic regionalization as well as local economic development. It focuses on production, exchange, distribution and consumption of items of economic activities, parameters of space and time. Geography also focuses on material floe, population flow and information flow from various parts of the world.

Geography is a foundation for career. Some of these careers help in boosting country's economy. Examples are: surveying and planning. Surveying and planning is very important in agricultural production. For production, the nation must properly be fed. Industrial planning and delocalization rely on skills attained through geography. The country's urban infrastructure needs proper planning to attract investors. All this knowledge comes through the study of geography. Massey. (1994).

Time management is an important factor that gears the country towards development. Time limits have to be set, deadlines met, achievements of goals like 'vision 2030' helps to set development pace for a country. Time management is a skill that is acquired through various fieldworks done in geography.

Geography helps in boosting environmental conservation. It creates awareness on its significance. The country's environment is rich in flora and fauna. Tourism is a key sector that earns the country foreign exchange. The