Incidence, Depth and Severity of Multiple Child Deprivations in Kenya

Abstract

This paper measured multidimensional child deprivation of basic needs using data from 1993 to 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys. The Bristol approach multiple nonmonetary indicators of deprivation and the Alkire and Foster method for multidimensional poverty measurement are applied. The results show that the highest deprivation rates are in information, shelter and sanitation dimensions of child well-being. The lowest deprivation rates are in health and education dimensions. Deprivation rates are highest in North-Eastern and Eastern regions of Kenya. Third, deprivation rates in various dimensions and multidimensional child poverty declined between 1993 and 2014. These results suggest that provision of social halls community social halls with media centers, library/entertainment centers would enable children access information. In addition, government can consider zero rating building materials, and promoting research on appropriate building technologies to increase affordable housing. Investment by County governments in enhancing access to safe drinking water would reduce deprivation rate in this dimension. Child nutritional deprivation can be addressed through food supplements in the short-term and humanitarian assistance (relief food, tokens) for households with vulnerable children. Investments by National and County governments in collaboration with stakeholders will reduce deprivation rates in access to safe sanitation facilities.