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Kazakhstan — Daily

Kazakhstan Daily: Ex-anti-graft chief probed, tenge weakens, Tshisekedi state visit, and KZT1.2b aid fraud crackdown

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Politics

Ex-Anticorruption Chief Kairat Kozhamzharov Probed for Abuse of Office and Money Laundering

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan’s Prosecutor General’s Office launched a pre-trial investigation into former anticorruption and financial crimes agency head Kairat Kozhamzharov for alleged abuse of office and laundering of illicit funds during different periods of his leadership. Special prosecutor-led investigative teams have been formed, while officials cited procedural secrecy rules for withholding further details. The case involves a figure who later served as Prosecutor General (2017–2019) and held senior roles across law enforcement and public administration, including heading the financial police and serving as a senator until 2023. His career has intersected with high-profile cases such as the “Khorgos” customs scandal. Authorities emphasized that information sharing will be limited under the criminal procedure code, signaling a lengthy legal process with potential implications for ongoing integrity reforms in state bodies.

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Almaty Prosecutor Warns Orda Editor Over Alleged False Reporting, Citing Criminal Liability

Published: 2025-09-06

Almaty city prosecutors issued a formal warning to Orda’s editor-in-chief, G.A. Bazhenova, following recent incidents of alleged false information on online platforms, according to multiple local outlets. Authorities said they explained the requirements of Kazakhstan’s Mass Media Law and underscored potential criminal penalties for intentional disinformation and false accusations. Prosecutors referenced Criminal Code Article 274(2)(3), which provides for up to three years’ imprisonment for knowingly disseminating false information, and Article 419(3), which sets up to eight years for deliberately accusing a person of corruption or serious crimes without basis. The prosecutor’s office urged media and citizens to comply strictly with national legislation and refrain from spreading unverified or inaccurate data, signaling tighter scrutiny of digital reporting and editorial standards across outlets.

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Lawmakers to Review ILO Minimum Wage Convention and Qatar Labor Placement Deal

Published: 2025-09-06

Parliament is set to consider ratifying ILO Convention No. 131 on minimum wage setting, a step that would align national practices with international standards and demonstrate commitment to compliance. The agenda also includes an intergovernmental agreement regulating the placement of Kazakh workers in Qatar, outlining procedures for cooperation, employment contract requirements, and repatriation provisions. Committees will take up additional bills spanning banking sector legislation, extradition and transfer of sentenced persons with Peru, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, recognition of higher-education qualifications under the Asia-Pacific regional convention, and accession to the Protocol on Water and Health under the 1992 Convention on Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. The package signals regulatory tightening across labor, finance, legal cooperation, education mobility, and environmental health frameworks.

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Parliamentary Chambers to Convene Joint Session on 8 September in Astana

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan’s Parliament will hold a joint session of both chambers on 8 September 2025 at 11:00 in Astana, according to an official directive signed by Erlan Koshanov, Chair of the Mazhilis. The order cites Article 58(4)(2) of the Constitution, the provision governing joint sittings of the Senate and Mazhilis. While the agenda was not disclosed, such sessions are typically used for major legislative reports, presidential addresses, or budgetary matters. The timing—early in the fall session—suggests potential discussion of fiscal plans, policy priorities, or constitutional implementation updates. The format enables synchronized decision-making on cross-cutting national issues and signals the start of an active parliamentary season. No additional details on participants or specific topics were provided in the announcement.

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Economy

Tenge Weakens as National Bank Sets 6 September Rates; Exchange Bureaus Quote Higher Spreads in Major Cities

Published: 2025-09-06

The National Bank set the tenge’s official rate for 6 September at 540.05 per USD and 629.16 per EUR, with 6.65 per RUB, 75.64 per CNY, and 726.10 per GBP. Market quotes at exchange bureaus were generally weaker than the official fix, indicating pressure on the currency and wider spreads. In Almaty, average quotes were 537.85/539.90 for USD and 627.49/631.63 for EUR; Astana showed 535.10/540.04 for USD and 623.94/633.94 for EUR; Shymkent posted 536.66/539.66 for USD and 625.20/629.98 for EUR. Ruble cash rates traded around 6.52–6.67. For the weekend, the official rates were set at 537.91 per USD, 628.87 per EUR, and 6.6 per RUB. The divergence between official and cash rates suggests continued demand for hard currency and cautious pricing by retail FX outlets.

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Government Moves to Rein in Inflation with Price Pacts, Import Substitution and Digital Stock Monitoring

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan’s economic team reported that food-price growth has slowed sharply, with socially significant items flat for four consecutive weeks and their index easing to 7.8% year-to-date, even as annual inflation rose to 12.2% in August. Pressure is strongest in Karaganda, Ulytau, Akmola, Atyrau, North Kazakhstan, Aktobe, West Kazakhstan, and the cities of Astana and Almaty, driven mainly by paid services like utilities, transport, and healthcare. Authorities are pairing producer price agreements with tighter oversight: memorandums cap potato sale prices at 145 tenge in November and 185 tenge by spring 2026, reduce salt prices by 18%, and set an egg ceiling of 55 tenge per piece. With imports accounting for roughly a quarter of food consumption, the government will bolster import-substitution programs and introduce continuous digital monitoring of socially important stockpiles with video access to storage facilities. Exports of potatoes are permitted again following anticipated high yields.

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Banks to Share Client Account Data with Tax Authorities Under Draft Rule

Published: 2025-09-06

The Finance Ministry has proposed a regulation obliging banks to provide the State Revenue Committee with information on individuals who file asset and income declarations (forms 250 and 270). Data to be shared would include whether accounts exist and their numbers, loan details, and movements and balances of funds. Officials would be able to request these records without a court order and receive them within ten days. Analysts warn this effectively removes banking secrecy and enables full monitoring of personal cash flows, aligning with European-style compliance where income sources must be documented and taxed. The practical impact could be broad: gifts, family transfers, loans, and ATM top-ups may be treated as income unless supported by receipts, contracts, IOUs, or transfer confirmations. Declarants are advised to prepare documentation proving both income and expenditures as digital oversight expands.

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Astana Finance Days Highlights Digital Assets, AI, and Tokenized Commodities Push

Published: 2025-09-06

Astana Finance Days convened 5,000 participants from over 70 countries at the Astana International Financial Centre to debate digital innovation under the theme “Capital That Builds the Future.” AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov flagged momentum around stablecoins, new digital asset and social bond listings, and Islamic finance initiatives, positioning the market for a “new era.”

"The annual forum has proved a unique Eurasian platform for discussing trends and challenges, and announcing market-shaping partnerships and news" - Renat Bekturov, AIFC Governor (egemen.kz)

Futurist Brett King underscored rapid banking transformation driven by fintech, AI, and instant payments, predicting a radically different sector by 2050.

"Fintech clients outnumber those of traditional banks by 50%, and stablecoins and real-time payment systems are accelerating" - Brett King, author and entrepreneur (egemen.kz)

A pilot “Commodity Tokenization” project aims to digitize agricultural products across Eurasia via a blockchain-based grain accounting, storage, trading, and financing ecosystem, signaling new capital channels for agribusiness. Sessions also covered the AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre’s digital justice tools and unveiled AIFC Academy financial minors with SDU and AlmaU to train talent for the digital economy.

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Spring Potato Prices Projected to Stay Below 185 Tenge as Harvest Advances

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan’s Agriculture Ministry projects a 2024 potato harvest of 2.7 million tons, with 840,200 tons collected by September 5, according to state news agency reports. Authorities indicate retail prices are expected to remain contained into spring, with a stated ceiling of 185 tenge per kilogram guiding market expectations. While detailed stock and import data were not disclosed, the current pace of harvesting suggests adequate supplies heading into winter, a period that typically sees price volatility for key staples. For retailers and food service operators, stable potato prices could ease procurement planning and cost management. Consumers may also benefit from tempered inflation in the fresh produce basket, provided logistics and storage conditions support the forecast through the colder months.

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Kostanay Maps Vast Iron and Bauxite Reserves as Kazakhstan Expands Mineral Exploration

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan’s Industry and Construction Ministry outlines Kostanay Region’s central role in the country’s mineral base, citing iron ore reserves of 22.7 billion tonnes—enough for roughly 1,000 years—and 267.4 million tonnes of bauxite, estimated at 65 years. The region also hosts nickel (1.07 million tonnes), cobalt (143,900 tonnes), gold (180.6 tonnes; 4.3 tonnes produced in 2023), silver (95 tonnes), and significant coal (7.5 billion tonnes), alongside plentiful groundwater. Seven gold deposits are in production with nine more under exploration. The government is accelerating geological mapping through 2026 over 20,800 sq km and plans 3D seismic in the North Torgai basin in 2026 to assess hydrocarbons. Licensing is fully digital via Minerals.e-qazyna.kz under a first-come, first-served regime; 113 exploration and 17 production licenses are active. Authorities may add tax incentives and will auction free blocks electronically.

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Regional Snapshot: Set-Menu Lunches Averaging 1,500–2,000 Tenge Across Cities

Published: 2025-09-06

Inform.kz reports that the average price for a set-menu lunch nationwide stands at 1,500–2,000 tenge, with notable regional variation in what the meal includes. While the price band offers a quick benchmark for budgeting, the composition of these lunches—such as inclusion of soup, salad, main, beverage, or bread—differs by city, affecting value perception and nutritional balance. For service operators, the range suggests relative price stability in the mass-market segment, though input costs and local preferences likely shape menu design. For consumers, comparing components rather than headline prices is key when assessing affordability across regions. The report highlights a consumer-price snapshot rather than an official policy move, underscoring continuing attention to everyday cost-of-living indicators in the food-service sector.

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Diplomacy

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to Pay First State Visit, Signaling Push to Broaden Bilateral Ties

Published: 2025-09-06

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi will make a state visit to Astana on 9–10 September at President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s invitation. The agenda includes high-level talks on advancing bilateral cooperation, according to the presidential administration. The trip follows Tokayev’s late-August meeting with Tshisekedi’s special envoy, Patrick Mpoyi Luabeya, suggesting groundwork for sectoral agreements. Observers will watch for alignment in mining and critical minerals, logistics corridors linking Central Asia with Africa, and potential energy and agribusiness partnerships. The visit underscores Kazakhstan’s broader outreach to African economies and the DRC’s interest in diversifying investment sources and export routes. No detailed accords were disclosed ahead of the meetings, but both sides flagged the talks as strategic for long-term economic and diplomatic engagement.

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UN Endorses SCO Cooperation as Tianjin Summit Sets 2026–2035 Strategy and Backs Tokayev’s Unity Initiative

Published: 2025-09-06

The UN General Assembly adopted a China-sponsored resolution to deepen UN–Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) cooperation, recognizing the SCO’s role in regional security, development, and trust-building. The move follows the Tianjin SCO Summit, which approved the Tianjin Declaration and a 2026–2035 development strategy, alongside 24 sectoral documents on security, economy, culture, and institutional cooperation. Leaders also supported multilateral trade and marked the UN’s and WWII’s 80th anniversaries. Laos gained dialogue-partner status as membership interest grows, underscoring the bloc’s openness. The resolution explicitly supports President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s “Global Unity for a Just World, Harmony and Development” initiative, elevating Kazakhstan’s profile as an agenda-setting middle power within the SCO and at the UN. It also aligns with China’s push on global governance proposals tabled at Tianjin, signaling tighter UN–SCO alignment on reform-oriented multilateralism.

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Foreign Ministers Discuss Paths to Deepen Kazakhstan–Ukraine Cooperation by Phone

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu held a phone call with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha at Kyiv’s request, discussing bilateral and multilateral cooperation and prospects for expansion across various sectors, according to multiple outlets citing the MFA. The conversation underscored mutual interest in strengthening ties as both countries navigate regional security pressures and reconfigure trade and logistics networks since 2022. Nurtleu emphasized the priority of diplomacy grounded in international law to bolster regional stability and pursue a durable peace, aligning with Astana’s broader positioning as a neutral facilitator in Eurasian affairs.

"It is important to continue diplomatic efforts to achieve a durable peace based on the principles of international law, which will help strengthen regional stability." - Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (aikyn.kz)

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Shanghai Cooperation Summit Highlights Transit Expansion, Visa-Free Travel Deals, and Tighter Financial Oversight

Published: 2025-09-06

International coverage this week centered on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to China and his strategic agenda at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin. Reports noted proposals to broaden the China–Europe transit corridor, signaling potential throughput gains for Eurasian freight and logistics hubs, and new agreements advancing visa-free travel that could ease business mobility and tourism flows. Media also pointed to forthcoming legislative changes to strengthen financial monitoring and compliance, indicating a push to align with global standards on transparency and anti–money laundering. While detailed timelines and sectoral impacts were not fully disclosed, the combined focus on infrastructure, mobility, and financial governance suggests a coordinated effort to enhance regional connectivity and investor confidence.

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Published: 2025-09-06

Astana hosted the second meeting of the Kazakhstan–Mongolia Business Council, signaling renewed high-level engagement as Mongolia’s parliamentary speaker Dashzegviin Amarbaysgalan led the first official visit of its kind in over two decades. Vice Prime Minister and National Economy Minister Serik Zhumangarin framed the talks as a platform to elevate political dialogue and economic cooperation, highlighting planned restoration of direct air links between the capitals, potential new routes, and a proposed road connection to better tie Central and East Asian markets. Agriculture, mining, energy, and joint projects in eco-friendly food production were discussed, alongside expanded academic collaboration and Kazakh education grants for Mongolian students in engineering and IT. Trade reached $74 million in Jan–Jul 2025, with Kazakh exports at $71.5 million, mainly processed and agricultural goods.

"We have an opportunity to enrich this heritage with new content and raise our cooperation to a new level." - Serik Zhumangarin, Vice PM and Economy Minister (dknews.kz)

"The successful development of business ties directly depends on the active participation of entrepreneurs." - Serik Zhumangarin, Vice PM and Economy Minister (dknews.kz)

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Published: 2025-09-06

"The respectful, trust-based relationship between our presidents continues to strengthen Mongolia–Kazakhstan cooperation." - Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate (aikyn.kz)

Kazakh Senate Chairman Maulen Ashimbayev met a Mongolian delegation to advance inter-parliamentary dialogue and implement agreements reached during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s 2024 state visit, which elevated relations to a Strategic Partnership. The sides prioritized expanding cooperation through the Kazakhstan–Mongolia parliamentary friendship group and sectoral committee links, aimed at translating high-level commitments into legislation and oversight. They discussed joint projects in agriculture, mining and metallurgy, modern technologies, and space, alongside trade, investment, and sustainable development goals. Ashimbayev highlighted ongoing political and economic reforms in Kazakhstan and underscored “spiritual diplomacy,” praising Mongolian religious leaders’ support for the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Mongolian representative Dashzegviin Amarbaysgalan voiced interest in strengthening the bilateral legal base and parliamentary cooperation.

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Infrastructure

FlyArystan to Boost Almaty–Yining (Kuldja) Flights to Three Weekly From October 2025

Published: 2025-09-06

FlyArystan will increase Almaty–Yining (Kuldja)–Almaty service to three weekly flights starting October 2025, adding Tuesday to the existing Thursday and Sunday schedule. The route, launched on 18 May 2025, has seen sustained demand from Kazakh and Chinese travelers. Yining, located in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, maintains deep historical and cultural ties with Kazakhstan and hosts a sizable Kazakh diaspora, reinforcing its role as a hub for cross-border cultural and economic exchange. The expansion aligns with the visa-free regime in place since 10 November 2023 and tourism-year initiatives: 2024 marked Kazakhstan’s Tourism Year in China, while 2025 is China’s Tourism Year in Kazakhstan. Tickets are available via the airline’s app and website for travel dates through 23 October 2025.

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Energy Security Review Tracks Year-One Progress on Exploration, Power Reliability, and Gas Access

Published: 2025-09-06

A year after the President’s annual Address emphasized energy security, a Kazinform review assesses progress on three fronts: new hydrocarbon exploration, stable power supply, and expanding household gas coverage. The report notes that authorities outlined tasks to identify new fields, reduce outages, and broaden gasification, positioning these moves as pillars of long-term security and industrial growth. While detailed outcomes are not fully disclosed in the brief, the focus suggests ongoing work to balance rising electricity demand with infrastructure upgrades and to diversify supply through domestic exploration. The piece also links the past year’s efforts with expert commentary, indicating continued scrutiny of whether policy targets translate into measurable reliability gains and regional gas connectivity, which remain critical for investors and households alike.

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Aktobe Rail Depots Hold 1,700 Tons of Coal as Demand Nears 19,200 Tons

Published: 2025-09-06

Aktobe authorities report current coal stocks of 1,700 tons at railway sidings, compared with resident demand of 19,187 tons. Retail prices range from 19,500 to 26,000 tenge per ton. The figures suggest a short-term supply gap heading into the heating season, with potential pressure on prices and logistics if replenishment lags. International readers should note that rail-served depots are key distribution nodes for household coal in regional Kazakhstan, particularly for homes not connected to centralized heating. Monitoring delivery schedules and additional allocations will be critical to prevent shortages. Local administrations typically coordinate with suppliers and national rail to balance inflows and stabilize retail pricing during peak demand. No official timetable for restocking was provided in the source.

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Pavlodar Airport Renovation Delayed Another Year Due to Funding Gap

Published: 2025-09-06

Pavlodar’s airport overhaul will extend by at least one more year after funding shortfalls slowed progress to 44%. Local authorities say an additional KZT 9.3 billion (approx. USD 20 million) is required to complete the works. The delay underscores ongoing infrastructure financing constraints impacting regional transport hubs. For businesses and travelers, extended construction likely means continued operational disruptions and limited service upgrades in the near term. The project’s halting pace could affect airline scheduling decisions and regional connectivity, especially for cargo and domestic routes. Absent a clear financing solution or central budget support, timelines may slip further, increasing costs and complicating procurement. No official timeline for securing the missing funds was reported, and no alternative phasing plan was outlined in the public update.

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Society

Fraud Rings Exploit Maternity and Social Aid Programs; KZT 1.2 Billion Loss Triggers Tightened Rules

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) uncovered illegal schemes siphoning at least KZT 1.2 billion from maternity benefits and targeted social assistance in 2024–2025. Ten cases tied to pregnancy and childbirth benefits led to charges against 15 organizers who falsely hired 385 pregnant women into shell firms, backdating maximum social and pension contributions to unlock higher payouts. Courts jailed two women in Aktobe for six years over KZT 487 million stolen and a perpetrator in Shymkent for five years over KZT 98 million. Three probes target officials in employment and social protection departments for adding ineligible recipients to assistance lists and cashing out funds. Authorities say digitizing applications since 2023 and new rules now exclude backdated pension contributions from benefit calculations, tightening controls to deter repeat abuses.

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Record 13.2-Ton Cocaine Seizure in Almaty Disrupts Transnational Trafficking Route

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee (NSC) dismantled an international drug trafficking channel, seizing a record 13,183 kilograms of cocaine in Almaty. Authorities said the shipment was intended to transit Kazakhstan en route to third countries, indicating the country’s role as a corridor for high-volume narcotics flows. Two foreign nationals were detained and remanded in custody on suspicion of organizing the route. A pre-trial investigation is underway under Criminal Code Article 297, Part 3 (large-scale drug trafficking). Officials cited Criminal Procedure Code Article 201, Part 1 to withhold further operational details. The unprecedented scale underscores intensified enforcement and potential shifts in trafficking logistics through Central Asia, with likely implications for customs scrutiny, freight inspections, and compliance for logistics operators using Kazakhstan as a transit hub.

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Fake Logistics Schemes Drive Surge in Vehicle Thefts Through Online Car Orders

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan police and industry representatives warn of a rising fraud scheme where criminals pose as logistics firms to seize newly imported cars arranged via online platforms like Della and FaFa. Victims report scammers presenting forged documents, attaching Russian plates, and moving vehicles quickly across regions and potentially abroad, complicating recovery. Authorities classify these cases as fraud rather than theft; three criminal groups have been detained since last year, but many cars remain missing due to delayed reporting. One Almaty buyer said his Toyota 75 disappeared after handover, with no court outcome eight months later.

"Unfortunately, such cases are increasingly common... If victims contact us within a day or two, the chances of recovery are much higher." - Nurbol Zheksenbek, Senior Operative, Criminal Police Dept., MIA (inform.kz)

"Clients try to save 50–60 thousand tenge by using these sites instead of verified logistics—scammers exploit that." - Gulnar Karshygina, freight company representative (inform.kz)

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Quiet Hours Enforcement Could Fine Nighttime Use of Vacuums and Washing Machines

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakh authorities are enforcing quiet-hour rules that could penalize residents for running noisy home appliances at night. Under sanitary norms, daytime noise is capped at 55 dB, falling to 40 dB during quiet hours, which run 22:00–09:00 on weekdays and 23:00–10:00 on weekends and holidays. First-time violations bring fines of roughly 10 MCI (about 40,000 tenge), doubling to 20 MCI for repeat offenses within a year. In Almaty, more than 550 people have been fined since January, with construction sites a frequent source of complaints under Administrative Code Article 437 covering loud repairs, music, and other disturbances.

"On weekdays from 22:00 to 09:00, and on weekends and holidays from 23:00 to 10:00, disturbing the peace is not allowed." - Gulzhan Kilybayeva, head of the communal facilities control division, Almaty Sanitary-Epidemiological Control Department (aikyn.kz)

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Seized Ex-PM Massimov Mansion Assigned to Special and Inclusive Education Center

Published: 2025-09-06

A luxury residence in Astana formerly owned by ex–prime minister and ex–KNB chief Karim Massimov has been transferred to the Ministry of Education for use by the National Scientific-Practical Center for the Development of Special and Inclusive Education, the state asset recovery company announced on 5 September 2025. The move aligns with a national plan to expand special and inclusive education services and create a unified scientific-methodological base supporting professionals, parents, and children. The main hub will be in Almaty, with branches in all regions, including Astana, according to the ministry. The repurposing signals continued reallocation of recovered assets toward public services and could accelerate capacity-building in a growing segment of Kazakhstan’s education system.

"The main center will be in Almaty, and branches will open in all regions, including Astana." - Mereke Amangeldikyzy, Ministry of Education representative (malim.kz)

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Police Dismantle 105 Drug Labs as Seizures Double under ‘Kara­sora-2025’ Drive

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry reported a 2.8% rise in drug crimes over the first eight months of the year, while seizures doubled to 13.5 tonnes, including 1.1 tonnes of synthetics. Authorities said more than 7 million doses were kept off the market and 105 clandestine labs were shut down, 12 producing synthetic drugs. A May raid in Almaty region led to the arrest of a foreign national and the seizure of over 140 kg of finished product and 8 tonnes of chemicals. The annual “Karasora-2025” sweep runs June 1–October 31, focusing on southern regions and online trafficking, where AI-based monitoring flagged 23,000-plus resources. Over 44,000 bank cards linked to the trade were blocked, freezing 2.5 billion tenge. A 2026–2028 comprehensive anti-narcotics plan is being drafted involving state and non-state actors.

"Thanks to vigilant policing, more than 7 million doses did not enter illegal circulation." - Kuandyk Alzhanov, Deputy Chair of the Anti-Drug Committee, Interior Ministry (egemen.kz)

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Guidance Issued on Replacing Lost or Stolen Identity Documents

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan’s public service center in Kyzylorda outlined steps for restoring lost or stolen identity documents, clarifying procedures for residents who misplace passports or IDs. The information comes from Dinara Kazangapova, head of the city’s No. 1 Public Service Center, who explained where to apply and what evidence is required. The guidance underscores the role of local Public Service Centers as the primary point of contact, an important detail for navigating administrative processes efficiently. Although the article focuses on general procedures rather than policy changes, it signals continued emphasis on streamlined service delivery through centralized centers, a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s e-government infrastructure. Specific timelines, fees, and document lists were not detailed in the brief, suggesting readers should consult their local PSC for case-specific requirements.

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Environment

Fire Contained at Caspi Bitum Plant in Mangystau; No Injuries Reported

Published: 2025-09-06

A fire broke out at 08:05 on September 6 at the Caspi Bitum LLP plant in Kuryk, Mangystau region, affecting a pipeline leading to an atmospheric column, according to KazMunayGas. The plant’s fixed firefighting system extinguished the blaze by 08:32, supported by Semser-Ört Söndiruji units and the city emergency services. Authorities reported no casualties or material damage. Caspi Bitum, a joint venture between KazMunayGas and China’s CNPC launched in 2013, supplies road-grade bitumen critical for infrastructure projects across western Kazakhstan. Rapid containment suggests limited operational disruption, but companies with logistics or construction timelines reliant on bitumen supply may monitor for any short-term adjustments in output or deliveries. The incident follows recent regional fire responses highlighting industrial and municipal emergency readiness.

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Chinese Investors Plan Local Production for Irrigation Digitalization as Water Ministry Seeks Automation Push

Published: 2025-09-06

China’s Yellow River Engineering Consulting led a delegation to discuss accelerating irrigation automation and building new hydrotechnical facilities in partnership with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. The talks focused on launching local production of technologies to automate and digitize water accounting in southern irrigation canals, a critical step for efficient allocation amid rising water stress. Chinese companies also proposed professional training for Kazakhstan’s water sector specialists, signaling a capacity-building component alongside investment. The initiative aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader drive to modernize aging canal infrastructure and reduce losses through real-time monitoring and control systems, potentially improving agricultural productivity and cross-border water management. If implemented, localized manufacturing could lower costs, speed deployment, and create a service ecosystem to sustain long-term operations.

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Forecasters Warn of Unstable Weather with Thunderstorms, Hail, Fog and Dust Storms

Published: 2025-09-06

Weather agency Kazhydromet reports that much of the country will be influenced by a cyclonic system and associated frontal activity, bringing volatile conditions. Expect thunderstorms, potential hail, fog formation, and episodes of dust storms across various regions in the coming days. Such patterns can disrupt road and air travel and may affect outdoor operations in construction, logistics, and energy. Businesses should monitor regional alerts and prepare for reduced visibility and sudden wind shifts, especially in steppe and southern areas prone to dust events. The forecast indicates rapidly changing conditions rather than prolonged severe weather, but localized impacts could be significant. No specific regional timetable was provided, suggesting conditions may evolve quickly and vary by locality; checking updated regional bulletins will be essential for planning.

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Processed Food Share Rises with Low-Interest Lending and New Agro Projects

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan’s agri-food output expanded, with food production up 9.2% to KZT 2.13 trillion and beverages up 6.8% (KZT 692.4 billion). Strong gains came in vegetable oil (+24%), butter (+10.4%), sausages (+9%), and flour (+6.6%). Capital investment in agriculture rose 26.5% to KZT 442.7 billion; food manufacturing investment climbed 48% to KZT 104.2 billion, supporting modernization and technology upgrades. Preferential financing at up to 5% is scaling: KZT 700 billion for seasonal fieldwork in 2024, targeted to reach KZT 1 trillion in coming years, plus subsidized leasing for farm machinery (6,000 units worth KZT 250 billion). Dairy expansion delivered 688,000 tons in 2023 (+32% vs. 2022), with 48 farms built since 2023 and 32 more planned by 2025. Processed goods comprised 52% of the sector’s $5.1 billion exports in 2023, advancing toward the 70% target.

"Following the President’s Address, we shifted from direct subsidies to accessible lending and mobilized commercial bank funds. A concessional loan program at no more than 5% has been launched." - Aidarbek Saparov, Minister of Agriculture (egemen.kz)

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Innovation

Remote Aqmola Village Goes Online with OneWeb-Backed Public Wi‑Fi

Published: 2025-09-06

A public Wi‑Fi hotspot powered by OneWeb’s non-geostationary satellite system has been launched in Algabas, Aqmola Region, under the government’s Affordable Internet national project. The initiative targets settlements where fiber or mobile base stations are not economically viable, aiming to deliver stable, high‑speed connectivity for e‑government services, distance learning, and communication. Authorities plan to connect 504 rural localities via NGSO technologies: 176 through KazSat and 328 through OneWeb, with Algabas among the first activations. The rollout underscores a broader push to reduce the digital divide in sparsely populated areas and could inform future service models for remote communities. No official statements were quoted in the source reports.

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AI Language Tools and National Dictation Initiative Advance Digital Use of the State Language

Published: 2025-09-06

At a Nazarbayev University conference marking Language Day and Ahmet Baitursynuly’s birthday, officials unveiled new AI-driven language tools and a nationwide dictation initiative aimed at strengthening the state language in digital and educational spheres. A Kazakh Text-to-Speech model will be released on Hugging Face to support integration into global AI ecosystems, while the Til-Qazyna center showcased sectoral language models, including Til-Qazyna LLM and the Qazgramma grammar-check platform. The “National Dictation” project launches in hybrid format via til.kz with certificates and a KITAP subscription for participants; it will run annually across schools and universities.

"The future of any language is in the digital space; if a language wants to survive in the AI era, it must adapt to digital formats." - Science and Higher Education Minister Sayasat Nurbek (egemen.kz)

"A Kazakh voice model will be published on Hugging Face, marking the language’s entry into the global AI ecosystem." - Rauan Kenzhekhanuly, President of the International Kazakh Language Society (egemen.kz)

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Mobile and Fixed Internet Slowdowns Trigger User Complaints as Ministry Confirms YouTube Issues

Published: 2025-09-06

Users reported widespread slowdowns across mobile and fixed networks this week, with Activ/Kcell subscribers experiencing outages on 4 September and rising complaints about sluggish Kazakhtelecom service. Social media posts flagged problems accessing YouTube, with some users saying performance improved via VPNs. Kazakhtelecom denied any network faults, stating operations are normal. The Digital Development Ministry acknowledged degraded YouTube performance in the country and said it is investigating causes; similar disruptions were noted in Russia, peaking around 15:00 on 4 September and affecting cities including Astana, Almaty, and Petropavl, as well as Moscow and St. Petersburg. The episode revived scrutiny of earlier official claims about internet quality, underscoring persistent reliability concerns for consumers and businesses.

"According to the results of a technical inspection, no faults were identified in the telecommunications network. Data transmission networks are operating in a normal mode." - Kazakhtelecom press service (aikyn.kz)

"YouTube is indeed operating slower than usual in Kazakhstan; the cause is being identified." - Digital Development Ministry (aikyn.kz)

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Government Expands Proactive E‑Services, Cuts Paperwork and Processing Times

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan is accelerating digital transformation of public services, with over 1,500 administrative processes reengineered in four years and 45 services now delivered proactively via the Smart Data Ukimet platform. Applicants for university admissions, dormitory placement, and clinic registration now complete procedures online through eGov, yielding reported annual savings above KZT 380 million. A mobile “Europrotocol” lets drivers register minor accidents without police, reducing insurance payouts processing from up to 40 days to five; more than 3,000 users accessed it in H1. Debtors can be removed from registers fully online. Environmental monitoring includes 148 wildfire-detection cameras in key parks, reportedly tripling detection speed and sharply reducing burn area and costs. High-demand services—ID replacement, e-signature issuance, driver’s license processing—are moving online, expected to halve visits to service centers.

"Our reengineering aims to simplify services for citizens, cut manual operations, and raise automation; many services are now fully online." - Deputy Minister Dmitry Mun (egemen.kz)

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Digital Signature Keys Now Require Biometric Face Verification Before In‑Person Applications

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan has changed the process for obtaining electronic digital signature (EDS) keys. Applicants must first submit a request via eGov.kz or the National Certification Authority’s pki.gov.kz and pass facial recognition-based biometric verification. Successful verification enables issuance of EDS keys fully online. If the system cannot match a face—for example, due to missing photos or technical errors—users can attempt verification up to five times. Only after exhausting these attempts can they apply through a Public Service Center (Halyk Qyzmeti, XQKO) and verify identity with an operator. Importantly, applications at XQKO are not allowed without prior biometric attempts. For those lacking internet or a computer, self-service zones at XQKO provide biometric verification, after which keys are still issued online. The operator will validate personal data by IIN (JСN).

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AI Push Targets Bureaucracy in Public Services as Government Sets 3-Month Deadline

Published: 2025-09-06

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered concrete measures within three months to embed artificial intelligence in public service delivery, prioritizing automation of application reviews and decision-making to replace what he called “digitalized paperwork” that still requires human intervention. He urged a shift from electronic document handling to AI-driven processes to free resources for higher-value tasks.

"Artificial intelligence must significantly ease the work of the state apparatus... Many services remain in a state of ‘digital fixation,’ which is merely moving paper-based bureaucracy into a digital format." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (egemen.kz)

Entrepreneur Shyngys Dauletbay, founder of “TrustMe,” backed the agenda, citing new infrastructure like Alem.AI and a supercomputer, and visas for tech talent, while proposing pilot integrations of startup solutions in state bodies, including digitizing sick-leave certificates end-to-end.

"New technologies and startups are like newly discovered oil; we must not overlook them." - Shyngys Dauletbay, TrustMe founder (egemen.kz)

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‘Future Schools’ Program Expands to Ease Overcrowding and Standardize Quality in Education

Published: 2025-09-06

Kazakhstan is rebranding and scaling its “Comfortable School” initiative as the national “Future Schools” program, targeting 217 new schools, with 112 due to open by year-end. The model prioritizes larger, fully equipped campuses (IT/STEM labs, sports halls, workshops) for up to 2,000 students, aiming to eliminate emergency and triple-shift schools and close urban–rural gaps. New facilities feature inclusive design, including elevators and resource rooms; specialized autism support exists in 121 schools. Governance and staffing are in focus, with a database of over 100 new schools’ directors and ongoing training via the Örleu center. In Almaty, seven modern schools opened for the 2024–25 year, with over 20 more under construction. Education expert Meiramgul Nusupbek urges rural expansion to reduce urban migration and address teacher shortages.

"Future Schools should not only raise education quality, but also stabilize internal migration by improving regional living conditions. We must prioritize new schools in rural and border areas." - Education expert Meiramgul Nusupbek (egemen.kz)

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