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.
This is roughly the equivalent of giving an American ~$42k. I think that amount of money would have a huge impact on people’s well being.
Note: I looked up Kenya’s per capital GDP which is ~$2k USD. Based on on the article stating they received $50 per month, than means the lump sum was 60% of the GDP. 60% of the US’s GDP per capita is ~$42k
$50 per month is $600 per year, or %30 of GDP.
So $21,000 for an American. Still a significant amount.
But they gave them 2 years worth of funds, so you would double the number.