In a statement released on Wednesday, May 7, 2026, the media organisation said major concerns surrounding the fairness and implementation of the means-testing system remain unresolved despite a response issued by SHA following the documentary’s publication.
Africa Uncensored stated that together with Lighthouse Reports, it had sought clarification from the authority before publishing the documentary titled Error by Design on Monday, May 4, 2026.
“Africa Uncensored and Lighthouse Reports appreciate that the Social Health Authority’s management took the time to respond to our publication,” the organisation said in part of the statement.
The investigative groups explained that they had submitted a detailed list of questions to SHA before the documentary was released, but claimed the authority only responded after the publication had already gone public.
According to Africa Uncensored, the issues raised in the documentary were based on extensive reporting and centred on how the means-testing system used under the new health financing structure could potentially affect ordinary Kenyans.
The organisation argued that despite SHA’s public response, critical concerns about transparency, fairness and the criteria used in determining contributions under the system had not been sufficiently addressed.
The documentary has sparked widespread public debate on Kenya’s transition to the new healthcare financing framework, particularly around how citizens are assessed and categorised under the means-testing model.
Means testing is a system used to determine how much individuals contribute toward healthcare coverage based on their financial situation and income levels.
Critics of the model have questioned whether the process accurately reflects the economic realities faced by many Kenyans, especially those in the informal sector.
SHA, which was established to oversee the country’s new healthcare financing structure, has defended the system, saying it is intended to promote equity and ensure citizens contribute according to their ability.
However, Africa Uncensored insists that several questions raised in the documentary remain unanswered, particularly regarding data accuracy, methodology and accountability within the system.
The exchange between the media organisations and SHA has further intensified public scrutiny over the implementation of Kenya’s new health financing reforms.