A new report by the Kenya Medical Research Insitute (KEMRI) has shown that one in every 19 children is likely to die before their fifth birthday in some counties more than in others.
The top seven counties named with the highest mortality rates are; Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori, Kisumu, Kakamega, Vihiga and Bungoma.
Children in Western Kenya die in their early years because the region has high HIV and malaria prevalence as well as food insecurity and malnutrition due to harsh arid conditions.
The research also indicated that death rates remained high in Coast, North Eastern, Eastern, Western and Nyanza regions.
The report, which was compiled by Peter Macharia, Pamela Thuranira and Emelda Okiro cited that some counties have harsh surviving conditions for the newborns making it difficult for them to survive.
Macharia cited that the mortality rate in children under five years in the North Eastern part of the country could be explained due to the harsh arid conditions leading to food insecurity and malnutrition.
Okiro stated that the country had not achieved any of the goals set to reduce mortality rates in children below five, however, there were some counties that had achieved some of the goals.
"Those that have under-five mortality rate of less than 70 per 1000 live births included Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Embu, Machakos, Makueni and Nyandarua.
Others are; Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, West Pokot, Samburu, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado, Kericho and Bomet," she added.
