Modeling the determinants of fertility in Kenya using the Kenya demorgraphic health survey 2008-9

Abstract

Fertility has declined substantially in developing countries in the period sincel960, primarily as the result of increases in contraceptive prevalence. Little dispute is found on this point, but considerable debate has arisen about the causes of the increase contraceptive prevalence. (Bamikale Feyisetan & John B. Casterline) In Kenya there is evidence of fertility decline, areas with higher education for women and lower child mortality experienced larger reductions in fertility and desired family size. Contraceptive use far exceeds other proximate determinants in explaining these changes. The striking regularity in fertility reduction across all ages indicates that contraception is practiced mostly for birth spacing and that contraceptive methods have gained wide acceptance among younger cohorts. Good prospects are seen for further intensification of fertility declines in urban parts of Kenya. However, low levels of education and high child mortality make rapid changes unlikely in rural parts of Kenya.This study examined fertility decline and its determinants in Kenya. This study presents an assessment of fertility determinants in Kenya. It examines social cultural and demographic factors influencing fertility in Kenya. Findings from the Demographic and Health Surveys for this country over a period of 15 years show that desired family size has decreased significantly. Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys (KDHS) during 2008-9, provided the data for analysis, which will be conducted in SPSS version 17 using the negative binomial regression model.