Govt Proposes to Scrap KNEC, Embrace AI for Exam Marking in Major Education Shake-Up
In a bold move set to revolutionize Kenya’s education system, the government has proposed disbanding the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and replacing it with a more tech-oriented body—the Kenya National Education Assessments Council (KNEAC).
According to a new draft law, KNEAC will oversee all assessments and embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies to mark national exams. The proposal aims to align the education system with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and introduce greater efficiency, transparency, and accuracy in assessment processes.
“The former Council shall continue in office for a period of not more than two months from the effective date… and shall for all intents and purposes be deemed the Council appointed under this Act,” the legislation reads.
AI and Automated Marking Take Centre Stage
The proposed law outlines several advanced methods for marking exams, including:
- Traditional pen-and-paper marking
- E-marking
- Electronic capture of marks
- Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)
- AI-based automated marking (Automark)
- Other emerging technologies deemed appropriate
KNEAC will also be tasked with developing guidelines for scoring oral, practical, project-based, and other forms of assessments under the CBC.
Structure and Leadership of KNEAC
The council’s leadership will include a chairperson appointed by the President, principal secretaries from key ministries, the CEO of the Commission for University Education, and the Director of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. Additional members will include representatives of persons with disabilities, post-school teacher training institutions, and private education sector stakeholders.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Council will also serve as an ex officio member.
New Roles for Examiners
KNEAC will appoint a wide range of assessors and examiners including chief, senior, deputy, team leaders, and general examiners. A Deputy Chief Examiner will also be designated when exam papers are split across assessment centres.
These professionals will work under strict guidelines to ensure marking consistency and accuracy. The council will routinely review examiner performance and marking standards to maintain high-quality assessments.
Changes in Results Confirmation Process
The process of confirming examination results will also be digitized. Applicants will need to provide detailed personal and academic information via an online platform, pay a processing fee, and submit necessary documents such as:
- Certificate or result slip
- National ID or birth certificate (for minors)
- Institution address where results are to be sent
Once submitted, the council will issue a confirmation statement within ten working days. Notably, this document will only be valid for use by the requesting institution and is non-transferable.
Replacing Lost Certificates
Applicants seeking to replace lost exam certificates will now face stricter requirements, including:
- Copy of lost certificate or result slip
- Letter of recommendation from school or County Director of Education
- Police abstract
- Evidence of payment
- Passport-size photo and national ID
- Identity verification from the Registrar of Persons
Successful applicants will collect the certification within fifteen working days from designated council offices.
Schools to Upgrade Tech Infrastructure
The proposal mandates that all exam centres must have robust ICT infrastructure, including:
- Computers with adequate processing and storage
- Licensed software and secure assessment platforms
- Stable internet connectivity
- Offline servers for local data storage and backup
These measures are meant to support tech-based assessments and ensure integrity in the examination process.
Public Participation Underway
The sweeping changes are currently under public review. If adopted, the reforms could signal a major shift in how Kenya handles national assessments—one that leverages technology to promote fairness, efficiency, and transparency in education.
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Govt Proposes to Scrap KNEC, Embrace AI for Exam Marking in Major Education Shake-Up