This table provides metadata for the actual indicator available from Kenya statistics closest to the corresponding global SDG indicator. Please note that even when the global SDG indicator is fully available from Kenyan statistics, this table should be consulted for information on national methodology and other Kenyan-specific metadata information.
| Goal |
Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages |
|---|---|
| Target |
Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births |
| Indicator |
Indicator 3.2.1: Under‑5 mortality rate |
| Metadata update |
2024 |
| Related indicators |
3.2.2 |
| Organisation |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |
| Contact person(s) |
Senior Manager, Population Statistics |
| Contact organisation unit |
Population Statistics |
| Contact person function |
Compiling Population Statistics Data |
| Contact phone |
+254-735-004-401 |
| Contact mail |
P.O. Box 30266–00100 |
| Contact email |
dpss@knbs.or.ke |
| Definition and concepts |
Definition: The under-five mortality rate is the probability of a child born in a specific year or period dying before reaching the age of 5 years, if subject to age-specific mortality rates of that period, expressed as deaths per 1000 live births. Concepts: The under-five mortality rate as defined here is, strictly speaking, not a rate (i.e. the number of deaths divided by the number of populations at risk during a certain period of time), but a probability of death derived from a life table and expressed as a rate per 1000 live births. |
| Unit of measure |
Number of deaths per 1000 live births |
| Classifications |
Not Applicable |
| Data sources |
Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) Kenya Population and Housing Census (KPHC) |
| Data collection method |
Data collection includes; survey planning, consultative user needs assessment meetings, survey and sampling design, questionnaire development, pretesting and finalization of questionnaires, recruitment and training of field staff, field data collection and capture, data processing, management, checking and analysis, report writing and production. At each stage, the survey conformed to international best practices in survey implementation. |
| Data collection calendar |
KDHS every 5 years, KPHC every 10 years |
| Data release calendar |
KDHS every 5 years, KPHC every 10 years |
| Data providers |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |
| Data compilers |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |
| Institutional mandate |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics for the collection, compilation, analysis, publication and dissemination of statistical information, and the co-ordination of the national statistical system, under Statistics Act 2006. |
| Rationale |
Mortality rates among young children are a key output indicator for child health and well-being, and, more broadly, for social and economic development. It is a closely watched public health indicator because it reflects the access of children and communities to basic health interventions such as vaccination, medical treatment of infectious diseases and adequate nutrition. |
| Comment and limitations |
Miss-reporting of the child’s age at death may distort the age or pattern of mortality especially if the net effect of the age miss-reporting is to transfer death from one age bracket to another |
| Method of computation |
An indirect method is used based on a summary birth history, a series of questions asked of each woman of reproductive age as to how many children she has ever given birth to and how many are still alive. The Brass method and model life tables are then used to obtain an estimate of under-five and infant mortality rates. Censuses include questions on household deaths in the last 12 months, which can also be used to calculate mortality estimates. |
| Validation |
Technical working committee meetings together with stakeholders were held before the launch and dissemination of the reports. |
| Methods and guidance available to countries for the compilation of the data at the national level |
None |
| Quality management |
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics is ISO certified based on 9001:2015 Standard requirements. The processes of compilation, production, publication and dissemination of data, including quality control, are carried out following the methodological framework and standards established by the KNBS, in compliance with the Internationally acceptable standards. |
| Quality assurance |
The KNBS adheres to Kenya Statistical Quality Assurance Framework (KesQAF) that underlines principles to be assured in managing the statistical production processes and output. Data consistency and quality checks are conducted through Technical Working Groups (TWGs) before publication and dissemination. |
| Quality assessment |
KNBS developed a quality assurance framework (KeSQAF), to record and reference the full range of quality concepts, dimensions, and practices. These include; Relevance, accuracy, reliability, timeliness, punctuality, accessibility, clarity, coherence, consistency, methodological soundness, and integrity. |
| Data availability and disaggregation |
Data Availability Data available at National level and County level. Time Series KDHS 2022, KPHC 2019 Disaggregation Disaggregated by mother’s age at birth, birth order, Previous birth interval, Mother’s education, wealth quintile |
| Comparability/deviation from international standards |
None |
| References and Documentation |
KDHS2014MaternalandChildHealth - Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (knbs.or.ke) |
| Metadata last updated | Aug 28, 2025 |