The long-run impacts of health, educational and socio-economic conditions in childhood on labor market outcomes, achievement and fertility in adulthood are central issues in development theory and policy. Literature on the links between the two, however, is inconclusive, particularly in less developed countries, because of the rareness of longitudinal (panel) datasets that track children into adulthood.

The Kenyan Life Panel Survey (KLPS) builds on an existing longitudinal (panel) 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 (PSDP) - which provided free treatment for intestinal helminthes (worms) to pupils in 75 rural primary schools phased in over 5 years.  The PSDP found that deworming had significant health and nutritional impacts and led to dramatic gains in attendance and enrollment among pupils in the early treatment schools from its inception in 1998. By 2003, educational attainment was also 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.