Inside CBC Reforms: AI, E-Marking & Jail Time for Cheats
As the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) implementation continues, a new Bill is set to be tabled in Parliament introducing significant reforms in the administration and management of national examinations and assessments. The Kenya National Educational Assessments Council (KNEAC) Bill 2025 outlines sweeping changes designed to modernize the country’s evaluation systems.
The Bill proposes digitizing certain aspects of national assessment marking. Marking will move to digital platforms, using approved centres that adopt a conveyor-belt style approach—assigning different assessors to different script sections to enhance impartiality. Technology will play a central role, with artificial intelligence (AI) aiding in scoring multiple-choice and structured questions, thus improving both speed and accuracy.
According to the Bill, the council would be responsible for establishing tools and guidelines for marking various assessment formats—ranging from oral, aural, practical, project-based to practicum. It may employ a variety of methods including traditional pen-and-paper, electronic mark capture, automated scoring systems like OMR and AI-powered marking, or any other suitable scoring mechanism.
This legislation, born from recommendations by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER), also suggests renaming the current Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) to reflect its updated functions under the CBC regime. Additionally, a new body—KNEAC—will be established to oversee assessments across all educational levels, including post-school teacher training.
To ensure a seamless transition, the Bill stipulates that Knec will remain functional for up to two months following the enactment. During this period, it will act as the transitional council but will not have the authority to make any appointments under the new law.
Harsher Penalties for Exam Malpractices
The Bill also outlines stricter punitive measures for examination fraud. Possession of assessment materials before or during tests could result in imprisonment for up to ten years, fines of up to Sh2 million, or both. Aiding others in accessing or distributing exam information unlawfully, including via social media, would be punishable by up to five years in prison or fines as high as Sh5 million.
Furthermore, it states that individuals who lose, misuse, or improperly share assessment content—whether negligently or deliberately—would face up to five years’ imprisonment or a Sh1 million fine, or both. Damaging materials or destroying evidence to obstruct justice could also attract a fine not exceeding Sh5 million or equivalent jail time.
The amendments aim to penalize those who present forged academic documents. Individuals found using fake certificates, result slips, or someone else’s credentials to secure jobs or academic placements could face up to two years in prison or fines of up to Sh1 million, or both.
The council, if granted autonomy, will process and release assessment results and issue certificates within 12 months. This move aims to reduce the post-exam uncertainty experienced by many candidates. The certificates, once released, will be legally protected from being withheld by any institution or individual.
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In line with this, the Ministry of Education recently instructed school principals to release all certificates they had withheld from former students due to unpaid fees or other reasons, ensuring that learners can access their academic documents without obstruction.
This Bill is one of 11 legislative proposals prepared by the ministry to implement the PWPER recommendations issued in June 2023. Despite their significance, most of the Bills are behind schedule, with some deadlines already missed.
Inside CBC Reforms: AI, E-Marking & Jail Time for Cheats.
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