Government and Policy

Government To Introduce AI In Exam Marking, Replace KNEC With KNEAC

BY Getrude Mathayo · April 15, 2025 10:04 am

In a bold and transformative move set to reshape the country’s education landscape, the government has unveiled a proposal to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) in the marking of national examinations.

This is part of a broader set of sweeping changes aimed at overhauling how assessments are conducted and managed across the country.

According to a draft legislative proposal, the long-serving Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) will be dissolved and replaced by a new body, the Kenya National Education Assessments Council (KNEAC).

This newly proposed institution, KNEAC, will not only adopt modern technologies such as AI-based marking systems but will also be aligned with the ongoing implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

The CBC framework, which emphasizes practical skills, creativity, and critical thinking over rote learning, has necessitated a more dynamic and responsive approach to learner assessments—one that KNEAC aims to deliver.

The proposed Kenya National Education Assessments Council Act outlines the legal basis for the transition from KNEC to KNEAC. Under the new law, the current KNEC council will be allowed to continue operating for a period not exceeding two months from the date the Act becomes effective.

This transition period is intended to facilitate the appointment of new council members and ensure continuity of operations.

“The former Council shall continue in office for not more than two months from the effective date as appointments are made to the Council, and the former Council shall be deemed the Council appointed under this Act,” the proposed legislation states.

One of the most groundbreaking elements of the proposal is the incorporation of artificial intelligence in the marking of national exams. The government aims to use AI to assess thousands of learner scripts more efficiently, accurately, and objectively.

The use of AI will be integrated into a diverse array of marking techniques, which will include traditional pen-and-paper marking, electronic marking (e-marking), electronic capture of marks, automated marking systems (Automark), optical mark recognition (OMR), and other appropriate technologies as they become available.

This comprehensive and hybrid approach to marking is expected to enhance transparency, reduce human error, and significantly speed up the grading process. It will also be particularly useful in assessing complex formative and summative evaluations, including oral, aural, practical, project-based, and practicum assessments, as well as other non-traditional forms of testing.

“The Council shall develop guidelines and tools for marking and scoring formative and summative assessments, including oral, aural, practical, projects, practicum, or any other mode of assessments,” reads the provision supporting this change.

The proposed KNEAC will be a high-powered body comprising key individuals and institutions from across the education sector.

According to Section 24 of the draft Act, the President of the Republic will appoint the Chairperson of the Council. Other ex-officio members will include the Principal Secretaries from the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission for University Education (CUE), and the Director of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).

The Council will also include the Secretary of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), as well as other individuals appointed by the Cabinet Secretary responsible for education.

These appointees are expected to represent a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including persons with disabilities, representatives from post-school teacher training institutions, and individuals from the private sector who play a role in education management. The Chief Executive Officer of KNEAC will also sit on the council.

Under its new mandate, KNEAC will be tasked with appointing and managing a variety of examiners and assessors to oversee the national examination process.

This will include chief examiners, senior examiners, deputy chief examiners, team leaders, and general examiners. In cases where a subject paper is split between multiple assessment centers, the Council will also appoint an Assistant Chief Examiner or Assessor to act as a Deputy Chief Examiner, ensuring consistency and fairness in grading.

All these appointments will be guided by a detailed regulatory framework laid out in the new Act. The aim is to establish a robust and transparent assessment system capable of handling the growing complexity of the national education system while maintaining the highest standards of quality and integrity.

These proposed changes mark a significant milestone in the modernization of Kenya’s education system. By integrating artificial intelligence and other digital technologies into the examination process and establishing a more inclusive and forward-thinking council, the government is signaling its commitment to aligning education with global best practices.

The Kenya National Education Assessments Council Act will not only enhance the credibility of national exams but also position the country as a regional leader in educational innovation if the proposal pass.

As the CBC continues to take root across all levels of schooling, KNEAC is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that assessments are fair, comprehensive, and capable of accurately reflecting the diverse talents and competencies of Kenyan learners.