With the social and economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic striking hundreds of millions around the world, the idea of a universal basic income (UBI) has been raised as a potential solution. Unique new research is looking at the effects of UBI during a pandemic by analyzing data from a massive ongoing 12-year income study in Kenya, and its conclusion suggests the policy may help individual well-being but it is not a silver-bullet solution in times of extreme disruption.The idea of universal basic income proposes that all citizens of a country receive a regular unconditional sum of money, either monthly or annually, calculated to cover basic living expenses. UBI is increasingly touted as an efficient way to replace the unwieldy bureaucratic mechanisms of many governmental social welfare systems.
Source: Kenya trial examines effect of universal basic income during pandemic
