Mr Sossion says the fund disregards democratic governance of education by choosing directly to fund private education providers rather than strengthening public systems, in clear contravention of the global commitment made through Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). In Kenya, private schools perform better than most public schools, a development that will no doubt see these institutions get most of funds. The letter dated September 5 and addressed to Dr Amina further says given the scarcity of resources, it would be wrong for EOF to plan to transfer taxpayer funds intended for the well-being of children to private investors. “This will contribute to commercialisation and commodification of education and legitimise profit making in the provision of education, and weaken efforts to strengthen and expand the provision of inclusive and equitable quality free education for all,” said Sossion. The EOF concept, however, says that the funding model’s strength lies in the fact that it will only pay for outcomes achieved.
Learning processes
In its letter, Knut argues that the results-based financing distorts quality teaching and learning processes by focusing on narrow outcomes rather than the development of the whole child.
“With funding based on students’ test score outcomes, teachers are encouraged to teach to the test,” said Sossion. He said results-based financing creates perverse incentives to invest in short-term gains rather than long-term system strengthening.
