The government has announced plans to abolish the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and use artificial intelligence (AI) to mark the national examinations.
The proposals contained in the Kenya National Education Assessments Council Act 2025 aim to eliminate human errors, reduce marking delays, and enhance fairness in national examinations.
In the changes, KNEC will be replaced by the Kenya National Education Assessments Council (KNEAC), which will lead the assessment of learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
“The former Council shall continue in office for a period of not more than two months from the effective date as appointments are made to the Council, and the former Council shall for all intents and purposes be deemed the Council appointed under this Act,” reads part of the proposed legislation.
The council will use various marking methods, including pen-and-paper marking, e-marking, electronic capture of marks, automated marking (Automark), optical mark recognition (OMR), AI-based marking, and any other method deemed appropriate.
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KNEAC will not be required to be accredited by any Body regarding its functions and powers.
”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 part of the provisions supporting the changes.
The council will include several key individuals including a chairperson who will be appointed by the president.
Other members will include Ministry of Education principal secretaries, the National Treasury, the CEO of the Commission for University Education, and the Director of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.
The Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) will also appoint other members to represent various groups, including people with disabilities, post-school teacher training institutions, and the private sector involved with the management of Education.
The proposed changes are undergoing public participation.
