Thuku, Beatrice Nduta2025-02-262025-02-262024-11https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/29661A Research Project Submitted to the Department of Economic Theory in the School of Business, Economics, and Tourism in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Economics of Kenyatta University, November 2024. Supervisor Isaac KimunioInfant mortality remains a pressing public health challenge and an indicator of socio-economic well-being globally. In Kenya, despite significant progress in reducing infant deaths, the infant mortality rate remains above global and regional targets, necessitating further investigation into its determinants. This study examines the effects of per capita income, public health expenditure, and maternal care utilization on infant mortality in Kenya. The research is guided by specific objectives: to determine the influence of per capita income on infant mortality, analyze the impact of public health expenditure, and assess the role of maternal care utilization on infant survival rates. The study employed a non-experimental quantitative research design, analyzing secondary data spanning the years 1991 to 2020. Using Grossman's Health Capital Model as a theoretical framework, the study utilized an Autoregressive Distributed Lag model to estimate the short- and long-term effects of the variables. Data were sourced from reputable institutions such as the World Bank and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Diagnostic tests ensured model validity and reliability. Findings revealed that higher per capita income significantly reduces infant mortality by enabling better healthcare access and improved living conditions. Public health expenditure was found to have a strong negative correlation with infant mortality, particularly when allocated to essential maternal and child health services. Increased maternal care utilization, measured through prenatal care coverage and skilled birth attendance, demonstrated a significant positive impact on reducing infant mortality rates. However, disparities in utilization between urban and rural areas and among different socio-economic groups remain a challenge. Policy implications emphasize the need for targeted interventions to bridge socio-economic and geographic disparities in healthcare access. Increased investment in public health, particularly in maternal and child healthcare, is critical. Expanding financial risk protection mechanisms to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and enhancing health system infrastructure are also recommended. Furthermore, programs promoting maternal education and awareness of healthcare services should be scaled up. This study underscores the multifaceted nature of infant mortality determinants and provides actionable insights for policymakers to enhance child survival and achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to health equity and well-being.enThesis