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Why Don't You Register Your Child? A Study of Attitudes and Factors Affecting Birth Registration in Kenya, and Policy Suggestions

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  • Matthew Pelowski
  • Richard G. Wamai
  • Joseph Wangombe
  • Hellen Nyakundi
  • Geofrey O. Oduwo
  • Benjamin K. Ngugi
  • Javier G. Ogembo

Abstract

Birth registration imposes major challenges in developing countries, with importance to rights, health and all levels of development. Despite targeted initiatives, often with focus on improved access and information, universal registration has been elusive. Using cross-sectional survey from Kenya, we provide new evidence for why parents may not register. We report high awareness, low barriers - however with over 50 per cent of children unregistered. We argue this is due to deliberate, informed choice by parents where they weigh perceived costs/benefits. We recommend new focus on this deliberation and policy piggybacking hospital delivery, vaccination and information and communications technology to re-balance parent decision.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Pelowski & Richard G. Wamai & Joseph Wangombe & Hellen Nyakundi & Geofrey O. Oduwo & Benjamin K. Ngugi & Javier G. Ogembo, 2015. "Why Don't You Register Your Child? A Study of Attitudes and Factors Affecting Birth Registration in Kenya, and Policy Suggestions," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 51(7), pages 881-904, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:51:y:2015:i:7:p:881-904
    DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2015.1010156
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Suzanne Duryea & Analía Olgiati & Leslie Stone, 2006. "The Under-Registration of Births in Latin America," Research Department Publications 4443, Inter-American Development Bank, Research Department.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ho Lun Wong, 2021. "Effect of marriage registration on fertility and intrahousehold distribution in Thailand," Pacific Economic Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(3), pages 312-338, August.
    2. Harbers, Imke, 2020. "Legal identity for all? Gender inequality in the timing of birth registration in Mexico," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).

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