Regional Variations of Infant Mortality in Kenya: Evidence from 2009 KDHS Data

Abstract

High infant mortality rates remain a great challenge to the Kenyan Government as she strives to attain the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs). In its current Development Blue – Print, Vision 2030, the country aims at eliminating high poverty levels and reduce the high regional inequalities. This comparative paper focuses on the determinants of infant mortality in Kenya. It specifically examines the regional differences in infant mortality among the various regions in the country classified into two broad categories as High mortality and Low mortality regions respectively. Data used was derived from birth histories in the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS, 2009). The findings of the study indicate that regional differences in under- one mortality are quite significant. The results show that low educational attainment, low socio – economic status and short intervals between births lead to the observed higher levels of infant mortality in the high mortality region. It is concluded that the regional differences in infant mortality are a result of the differences in the level of economic and social development. It is recommended that the Government implement policies aimed at increasing the length of birth intervals and improving the womens` financial and occupational status. Lastly, free secondary education will go along way in improving the welfare of womenfolk especially in the high mortality region.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n9p425