Larry Madowo’s ‘Free Money’ documentary goes to Netflix

International journalist Larry Madowo has announced that the controversial NGO documentary ‘Free Money,’ which he has been a part of for the past five years, is now available for streaming on Netflix.

The documentary offers an in-depth exploration of the impact of the US nonprofit organization ‘GiveDirectly,’ which has been sending money to a village in Nyanza, Kenya, every month with the aim of improving the living standards of the local impoverished population.

Madowo, who joined the project after production had already commenced, took to social media to share the news while asking viewers to ponder on the question; “Is it ok for an American NGO to run a cash experiment on poor Africans?”

“Our documentary ‘Free Money,’ filmed over 5 years, is now on Netflix Africa! See what happens when everyone in a Kenyan village receives free cash every month,” Madowo wrote.

Madowo also praised the documentary’s direction, stating, “It’s a revealing look at universal basic income, brilliantly directed by Lauren DeFilippo and Sam Soko.”

GiveDirectly, a US non-profit organization, initiated this unique experiment as part of its broader mission to disrupt global poverty by providing direct cash assistance to those in need.

The heart of the experiment revolves around the concept of universal basic income (UBI), where registered beneficiaries in Kogutu village receive $22 (approximately Sh3,198) each month, directly deposited into their mobile money wallets.

Kogutu village was selected as the site for this innovative project, which has been generously funded by Silicon Valley stakeholders.

The experiment seeks to determine how providing a consistent stream of cash to impoverished communities can uplift their living conditions and potentially break the cycle of poverty.

‘Free Money’ offers a rare glimpse into the real-life impact of UBI, shedding light on the lives of those who are the recipients of this financial assistance. It delves into the dynamics of the experiment, the community’s reactions, and the broader implications of providing direct cash aid as a means to combat poverty.