The Impact Of Health Financing Sources On Child Mortality In Kenya

In Kenya health financing as a percentage of GDP has increased over the years although health outcomes especially child mortality seem to have not followed the same trend. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of public, private and donor health financing on childhood mortalities in Kenya. The study approach was based on (Grossman, 1972) theoretical model that applies a vector of inputs in production of health outcomes. The study used time series data from 1980-2014 applying an ARDL analysis method. The empirical findings revealed that in the shortrun health financing, Per capita GDP, Doctors population, Measles immunization and Women's literacy level had no influence on infant mortality but in the long-run public health financing, Per capita GDP and Doctor's population improved infant mortality. Analysis of under-five mortality model revealed that in the short-run health financing, Per capita GDP, Doctors population, Measles immunization and Women's literacy level had no influence on under five mortality rates but in long run child immunization against measles, Women's literacy level and per capita GDP improved under five mortality. Based on the findings the study recommends an increase in the allocation of funds by the government to the health sector, improve socio-economic status of Women and government to educate the populace on the importance of child immunization to reduce childhood mortalities in Kenya.