The Kenyan Life Panel Survey (KLPS) builds on an existing longitudinal dataset of educational, health and demographic information for approximately 6800 pupils in Western Kenya collected from 1998-2003, and extends it for another 6 years. In particular KLPS seeks to examine the long-run impact of a recent school-based health program - the Primary School Deworming Project - which provided free treatment for intestinal helminthes (worms) to pupils in 75 rural primary schools phased in over 5 years. The project found that deworming had significant health and nutritional impacts, as well as leading to dramatic gains in school attendance and enrollment. After five years, educational attainment was significantly higher among early treatment school children. Evidence from KLPS linking child health gains (from deworming) and adult human capital formation could be used to justify increased investment in child health and nutrition programs.
The KLPS tracks individuals throughout Kenya using a rigorous two stage tracking system. During the first round of household survey data collection, IPA made direct contact with nearly 85% of target individuals. Round 2 survey data collection is currently underway.