The Senate is seeking an explanation for the rise in the number of private schools in residential areas in Nairobi.
Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda said there has been an increase in the number of private schools in residential areas.
"Over 200 schools have been established in some two estates as of October," she said.
Mutinda sought a statement from the Standing Committee on Education.
She said that the committee should also examine legal provisions that allow residential buildings to be transformed into schools, saying the establishment of most of these schools does not adhere to the laid down education regulations and policies.
Mutinda said the schools need to give details on the qualification of the teaching staff, mode of teaching, training offered and the operating conditions.
She said they need to justify the increase of adult learning centres that offer Kiswahili and English programmes.
Mutinda said the committee should visit the residential areas to gain a deeper understanding of the issues raised.
"Private schools are soaring in popularity, even among families that can ill afford school fees," she said.
According to official figures, the number of for-profit private schools in Kenya has been on the rise in the last years, from 7,742 in 2014 to 16,594.
Mutinda said that privatisation is the greatest barrier to the achievement of SDG4; free quality education for all since it weakens the social fibre of society.
