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

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

Journal of Development Studies, 2015, vol. 51, issue 7, 881-904

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.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2015.1010156

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