An event history analysis of factors influencing entry into parenthood in Nairobi

Abstract

In this study, we use data from the Urban Integration Survey conducted in 2001 in Nairobi, following the standard that has been adapted in several cities in Africa (Dakar, 1989; Bamako, 1992; Yaounde, 1996 and Antananarivo, 1998), to examine the underlying factors influencing entry into parenthood for men and women during the period of economic crisis. The analysis uses event history methods, specifically the Cox Proportional Hazards Regression model, stratified by generational age and run separately by sex. The results show that the majority of the migrants to Nairobi began childbearing in Nairobi, with migration status having no effect on entry into parenthood when other factors are controlled for. What seems important in delaying entry into union is some form of economic security, while social and economic contexts appeared weak for both men and women. One intriguing result was that there is an almost monotonic increase on the likelihood of entry into motherhood with increase in the level of education.