This dissertation focuses on child health in Kenya. The health of children is of
immense relevance in charting the future of human development. In the beginning of
the 21st millennium, 189 countries signed the millennium declaration with the aim of
creating an environment conducive for development and the elimination of poverty.
The declaration gave birth to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) with
quantified targets to be met by the year 2015 (UN, 2000). The first five MDG
(eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, promote
gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, and improve maternal
health) are of great relevance to children’s nutritional status, health and development
(Bhutta et al., 2010; Gaskin, Nielsen, Willie, & Durant, 2014; Grantham-McGregor et
al., 2007; Lozano et al., 2011; Sahn & Stifel, 2003). Of special relevance to this
dissertation is MDG1 that seeks to halve the proportion suffering from hunger,
indicated by the prevalence of underweight children. Also important is the associated
recommendation for improving infant and young child feeding practices -- the
initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for six
months, and continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond accompanied by
appropriate complementary feeding (Bhandari et al., 2003; Bhutta et al., 2008;
Huffman, Zehner, & Victora, 2001; Jones, Steketee, Black, Bhutta, & Morris, 2003;
Lutter et al., 2011).