Members of Parliament have tabled a proposal to create a task force that will identify and purchase a single building capable of housing all constitutional commissions and independent offices currently operating from rented premises.

The move follows a disclosure by the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) that it spends more than Sh3.225 million each month on rent and service charges for its offices.

During a budget implementation review for the 2025/2026 financial year, the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning raised concerns over the high expenditure, with Committee Chairperson Kuria Kimani questioning the Sh700,000 monthly service charge alone.

Kimani emphasized that the service charges are not for premises occupied by commission staff, describing the cost as imprudent use of public resources and urging a reduction in office‑space spending.

The committee’s proposal calls for a dedicated team to scout for a suitable building that could accommodate all rented commissions and independent offices, with the expectation that consolidating premises will generate substantial savings for the state.

CRA Chairperson Mary Wanyonyi reported that the commission has already spent Sh452.5 million of its approved Sh488.2 million budget for 2025/2026, achieving a 92.7 percent absorption rate, while an unspent balance of Sh35.7 million reflects savings in employee compensation.

Despite the rent burden, the CRA received clean audit opinions for its three accounts in the 2024/2025 financial year and won the Institute of Internal Auditors Kenya award for constitutional commissions for the third consecutive year.

To mitigate other funding gaps, the commission reallocated Sh12.405 million within its budget and noted a single pending bill of Sh659,300 that has exceeded 90 days.