It’s an unprecedented – and massive – experiment: Since 2017 the U.S.-based charity GiveDirectly has been providing thousands of villagers in Kenya what’s called a “universal basic income” – a cash grant of about $50, delivered every month, with the commitment to keep the payments coming for 12 years. It is a crucial test of what many consider one of the most cutting-edge ideas for alleviating global poverty. This week a team of independent researchers who have been studying the impact released their first results…
UBI could be a potential cash savings for governments as well. If the intent is to replace other larger targeted aid departments such as food and healthcare, the cost savings from reduced staffing needs would be interesting. Conversely, the loss of government jobs in those departments would also have a significant impact.