The Concept of UBI from early Church Practice

written by
Charles Ombonyo
July 28th, 2019

Today, I was invited by the ACK Diocese of Maseno East Kenya

Anglican Men's Association (KAMA) Diocesan Leaders to facilitate
a session on resource mobilisation. I utilised the opportunity to
sensitise them on the Universal Basic Income.

A total of 38 Diocesan Leaders, including two priests were

reached. These individuals oversee a team of 500 KAMA members.
About 60% of them had developed serious convictions on myths
that were initially spread around Give Directly.

At the end of a one hour dialogue on UBI alone, they all got
convinced that it is a bright initiative, and vowed to sensitise and
convert, not only the 500 KAMA members, but also members of
the 26 parishes they represent about UBI.
This initiative is going a long way to open up ground in Nyando
and Nyakach Sub-Counties of Kisumu County respectively.

UBI Kenya, Nyakach

UBI Kenya, Nyando



It was interesting, drawing the whole concept of UBI from the
early Church practice, to the UN UDHR 1948, to the safety nets
programs being exercised currently by the government, and
reminding them that we've not realised UBI from our own
government due to corruption and lack of prioritisation.

I further equated UBI to other form of grants given by the donor

world ranging from full donor grants, cost sharing grants, social
enterprise funds, reimbursement funding and finally brought in
the direct cash transfer as another form of grant where UBI falls.
I also gave examples of donations such as ARV's which comes
from the same donor set ups and by the end of the day, there was
massive self-confession of conversion from amongst each and
everyone of them.

So we created a new force for the UBI today. I want to thank my

colleague @Gordons Abwajoh for the assistance.

The meeting took place at Ahero Pro Cathedral Church.