AI marking set to replace traditional exam systems in new proposed bill

Kenya’s examination and assessment system is set for a major transformation under a new bill that aims to modernize and streamline the way national exams are conducted.

The Kenya National Education Assessments Council (KNEAC) Bill 2025, which will soon be introduced in Parliament, outlines a shift toward using advanced technologies, including AI-powered marking and real-time assessments, to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the examination process.

The bill proposes replacing the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) with KNEAC, a new body that will oversee all national assessments in the country.

This change is part of the government’s broader efforts to align the examination system with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and integrate technology into the process.

KNEAC will be responsible for implementing various forms of exam marking, ranging from traditional pen-and-paper methods to more modern techniques such as electronic marking and AI-powered automated systems.

AI technology, in particular, is expected to play a central role in transforming the marking of exams.

The use of AI is anticipated to reduce the time required to grade thousands of papers, ensuring faster and more accurate results.

The KNEAC Bill also outlines a number of other innovative methods for marking exams, including optical mark recognition (OMR) and the Automark system, which will help reduce human error and improve overall efficiency.

The new council will also be tasked with creating comprehensive guidelines for marking all types of assessments, including practical exams, projects, and oral tests.

These guidelines will be crucial in ensuring consistency across various forms of assessments and providing clarity to both examiners and candidates.

The composition of KNEAC will include key figures from the Ministry of Education, the National Treasury, the Commission for University Education, and the Teachers Service Commission.

This diverse representation will help ensure that the council remains well-connected to the broader education sector and is able to effectively address the needs of students, teachers, and educational institutions.

In addition to these changes, the new Bill introduces measures aimed at improving the process for confirming exam results.

Candidates who wish to verify their results will now be required to submit an online application to KNEAC, providing details such as their name, identification number, and the institution they attended.

Once the application is processed, a confirmation statement will be issued to the relevant institution within ten working days.

The process for replacing lost certificates is also set to become more streamlined.

Under the new system, individuals who lose their certificates will need to submit a series of documents, including a police report, identification proof, and payment for processing fees.

This will ensure that the replacement process is more efficient and transparent.

With the shift to technology-based assessments, schools across Kenya will need to upgrade their ICT infrastructure.

This will include ensuring they have the necessary hardware, software, and internet connectivity to facilitate the smooth running of digital exams.

The government is expected to work closely with schools to ensure that they are adequately prepared for this transition.

The public participation phase of the KNEAC Bill is currently underway, and the government is actively seeking input from stakeholders across the education sector.

If approved, these changes are expected to usher in a new era of transparency and efficiency in Kenya’s national examination system, benefiting students, teachers, and educational institutions alike.