As Kazakhstan stepped into the New Year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered more than a festive greeting. His message sounded like a roadmap - summing up 2025 and outlining clear priorities for 2026, DKNews.kz reports.
This was not just ceremony. It was about direction and responsibility.
Economy: growth, infrastructure and confidence
Despite global uncertainty, Kazakhstan closed the year with solid numbers.
- GDP grew by more than 6%
- gold and foreign exchange reserves exceeded $62 billion
- major investments continued coming into the country
One of the headline projects is the second line of the Dostyk - Moyynty railway. It is the largest rail construction project of the independence era and a key step in strengthening transit potential.
At the same time:
- 13,000 kilometers of roads are being built or repaired
- agriculture received record support
- farmers were allocated 1 trillion tenge
Kazakhstan is steadily building capacity in transit, logistics and food security.
Social priorities: housing, schools, healthcare
Over the past year:
- more than 19 million square meters of housing were commissioned
- over 100 new schools were built
- around 200 healthcare facilities opened
Branches of leading global universities began operating in the country - an investment directly into human capital.
Strengthening human rights and the principle of “Law and Order” has also become a core policy direction.
Work, science and sport - the people behind progress
Tokayev placed strong emphasis on people.
- respect for vocational professions
- continued support for teachers and doctors
- more opportunities for culture and science
Kazakh students excelled at international Olympiads, and athletes lifted the national flag on global arenas.
The underlying message is clear: a country’s strength lies in educated, hardworking and responsible citizens.
2026: digitalization, reform and new opportunities
The coming year marks a new stage of modernization.
Key priorities include:
- constitutional reform
- energy and water security
- agriculture and logistics
- urban services and infrastructure
- support for small and medium-sized businesses
One of the most strategic announcements:
2026 will be the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence
The goal is simple - move Kazakhstan into a technology-driven growth model.
Children, environment and volunteerism
The “National Fund for Children” program will continue, with another round of payments for every child in the country.
The nationwide “Taza Kazakhstan” initiative aims to make cities and villages cleaner, greener and more livable. It is positioned as a meaningful contribution ahead of the 35th anniversary of independence.
At Kazakhstan’s initiative, the United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of Volunteers - a symbolic reminder of solidarity and civic responsibility.
Unity as the main resource
Tokayev thanked citizens working through the holiday and turned to the younger generation with a simple formula: believe in yourself, study, work hard, stay disciplined.
The conclusion is concise but pointed: Kazakhstan is moving forward - and how successfully it moves depends on everyone.
