Inequality and Child Survival in Kenya: A Probit Model Approach

Abstract

In view of the low child survival rates in Kenya, conventional intervention has tended to focus more on the delivery of various clinical and public health technologies to the neglect of economic and psycho-social constraints that may restrict households from using the available health facilities thereby predisposing the child to higher risks of mortality. One such constraint is the distribution of income. But the extent to which income, income distribution or any of the other probable constraints is critical for child survival is not known. This makes it difficult to target financial and other resources appropriately. The aim of the present study is to estimate welfare weights that can reveal the extent to which household income distribution and other determinants are critical to child survival with a view to facilitating improved targeting of healthcare resources. Using household survey data, the study employs instrumental variable probit model to estimate parameters of an abbreviated social welfare function. The probit index for child survival is computed and used to compare child survival levels by province, given a certain income level, its distribution and the extent to which certain basic needs are met in each province. Child survival probabilities are estimated and reported by sex of the child for each of the provinces. Findings unravel the complex channels through which income inequality is associated with child survival.