Govt seeks to replace KNEC with AI-powered exam body in major education shake-up
The new technology-based assessment system will require schools to invest in upgraded ICT infrastructure, including computers, servers, and a stable internet connection.
The government is preparing to introduce a game-changing proposal that could reshape the way national exams are conducted in Kenya.
The Kenya National Education Assessments Council (KNEAC) Bill, 2025, which will be presented to Parliament, outlines a transformative approach that introduces artificial intelligence (AI) for exam marking, along with a broad overhaul of the examination process in line with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
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According to the new proposal, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), the body currently responsible for managing national exams, will be replaced by KNEAC. This change is designed to reflect the evolving educational landscape in Kenya, particularly the transition to the CBC.
Under the new Bill, a diverse range of marking techniques will be introduced, including pen-and-paper assessments, e-marking, and AI-powered automated scoring systems.
Other proposed methods for marking exams include optical mark recognition (OMR) and a system known as Automark, all of which aim to make the assessment process more efficient and reliable.
The introduction of AI-based marking is expected to dramatically reduce the time it takes to process and release exam results, while also helping to minimise human error.
According to the draft legislation, KNEAC will oversee the development of guidelines for marking and scoring both formative and summative assessments, including projects, practical exams, and oral assessments.
These guidelines will ensure that the marking system remains consistent and transparent across various forms of assessments.
The council, which will be led by a chairperson appointed by the president, will include several key stakeholders in the education sector.
These members will include representatives from the Ministry of Education, the National Treasury, and the Commission for University Education, among others.
The council will also work closely with various educational institutions and private sector entities involved in education management to streamline the national assessment system.
One of the major aspects of the KNEAC proposal is the revision of how exam results are confirmed.
The new system will require individuals seeking confirmation of their results to apply online, providing necessary details such as their full name, the institution they attended, and their identification number.
The applicants will have to pay a fee for the confirmation process.
Once the application is processed, the confirmation will be sent to the specified institution within ten working days, and it will be restricted to use only by the institution to which it is addressed.
The new proposal also addresses the issue of lost certificates.
Under the new system, individuals seeking to replace a lost certificate will need to provide a range of documents, including a police abstract confirming the loss, proof of identity, and payment for processing fees.
These changes are expected to streamline the process of issuing replacement certificates, making it more efficient for those who require them.
The new technology-based assessment system will require schools to invest in upgraded information communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, including computers, servers, and a stable internet connection.
Schools will also need to install licensed software and assessment platforms to ensure that they are prepared for the transition to digital exams.
This move to more technologically advanced systems is seen as a necessary step in the modernisation of Kenya's education sector.
The KNEAC Bill is currently undergoing public participation, and the government is keen to hear from stakeholders before making any final decisions.
If implemented, these changes are expected to bring a significant shift in the way exams are conducted, marked, and managed in Kenya, paving the way for a more transparent and efficient system.
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