The Government of Kazakhstan continues its systematic work to implement the course set by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. One of the key mechanisms driving the country’s transformation has been the initiatives announced by the Head of State during four sessions of the National Kurultai. Over this period, a solid legislative framework has been created to ensure their practical implementation, with 26 laws adopted, DKNews.kz reports.
Infrastructure as the foundation for regional development
Eliminating regional disparities and launching large-scale economic projects remain central priorities. In line with the instructions given by the President at the IV session of the National Kurultai, the Government has focused on developing transport corridors and modernizing engineering infrastructure, directly impacting business activity and the quality of life of citizens.
As part of these efforts, construction has begun on the Astana–Arkalyk–Torgai–Irgiz highway. The 896-kilometer road will provide a direct connection between central regions of the country and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. The total cost of the project is estimated at 1.1 trillion tenge.
At the same time, measures are being taken to improve transport accessibility for small towns. Following the President’s instruction, work is underway to restore the airport in Arkalyk. The city had lacked direct air connectivity for decades, as the local airport had not been operational since 1992. A total of 5.5 billion tenge has been allocated from the Special State Fund for the reconstruction of the runway and the construction of a new terminal. The project is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Housing, gas supply, and energy security
Access to housing and energy resources remains a key factor in improving quality of life. Under the new mortgage program “Nauryz,” more than 8.5 thousand loans were issued in 2025 alone, bringing the total since 2024 to 16.3 thousand loans.
In 2025, 112.4 billion tenge was allocated for regional gasification, resulting in the construction of more than 2,000 kilometers of gas networks. A major milestone in the energy sector was the early completion of the Taldykorgan–Usharal main gas pipeline, finished 1 year and 4 months ahead of schedule. Its launch will supply natural gas to 84 settlements in the Zhetisu region and raise the region’s gasification level to 76 percent.
Human capital and the “Adal Azamat” ideology
Government policy in education and social development is built around the “Adal Azamat” (Honest Citizen) ideological framework, outlined by the President at the II and IV sessions of the National Kurultai.
The unified “Birtutas Tarbie” program has been transformed into the “Adal Azamat” program, based on the principle “Adal Azamat – Honest Labor – Honest Income.” Its content has been integrated into educational institutions nationwide, with more than 110 thousand teachers completing relevant training.
Special attention is being paid to preserving historical memory and supporting the intellectual community. In line with the outcomes of the I and II sessions of the Kurultai, the title “People’s Writer of Kazakhstan” has been restored, the National Book Day has been established on April 23, and a list of “100 Books” by domestic authors has been compiled. Design work has begun on the Presidential Library in Astana, with commissioning planned for 2027.
Continuing the promotion of the ideology of honest labor, 2025 has been declared the Year of Working Professions. Nine new honorary titles for representatives of industrial and production occupations have been introduced into the national awards system.
Social inclusion and education
The “Adal Azamat” principle also implies equal opportunities for every citizen. In accordance with the President’s instructions from the IV session of the Kurultai, the Government has developed a draft law “On Comprehensive Support for Children with Disabilities,” which is currently under consideration in the Mazhilis.
The draft law addresses three key objectives. The first is early detection, through the introduction of a unified standard for diagnosis and support. The second is digitalization, whereby all services will be assigned through an integrated system forming an individual support plan for each child. The third is quality control, through the introduction of licensing requirements for organizations providing psychological and pedagogical assistance.
In parallel, the Concept of the unified “Children of Kazakhstan” program has been developed. It is based on four key areas: the child’s right to safety, education, health, social protection, and family. The program aims to systematize child protection efforts and ensure coordinated action by state bodies, helping to prevent violence and bullying at early stages rather than addressing their consequences.
As part of this work, 10,553 educational institutions have already been equipped with security systems.
New schools and modernization of existing ones
To address the shortage of student places, 232 schools with a total capacity of 267 thousand students were under construction in 2025. Of these, 112 facilities are being built under the national project “Keleshek Mektepleri,” while another 50 schools are financed through various funding sources.
A list of 1,231 schools has been identified for full renovation by 2029. In the city of Kosshy, plans are being developed for the construction of an international-standard college.
Law and order as a pillar of stability
Public safety remains a cornerstone of sustainable development. In line with Kurultai instructions, a unified Law on the Prevention of Offenses has been adopted, consolidating five previously separate laws. The emphasis is on early prevention and the principle of “Law and Order.”
A law regulating gambling activities has also been adopted, tightening oversight of betting companies and addressing gambling addiction. A complete legislative ban on the import and distribution of vapes has been introduced.
Another law differentiates liability for drug-related crimes, easing penalties for first-time couriers while strengthening responsibility for manufacturers. A Comprehensive Plan to Combat Drug Trafficking for 2026–2028 is being implemented.
Proposals have also been developed to improve conditions for incarcerated women, including those who are pregnant or have young children. Planned amendments to the Penal Enforcement Code would expand rights to visits, phone calls, and parcels, and broaden the list of illnesses qualifying for release from punishment. In addition, amendments are being prepared to formalize the term “destructive religious movements” and regulate theological education abroad.
Culture, sports, and tourism
In line with the President’s instruction at the IV session of the Kurultai to strengthen Kazakhstan’s cultural presence abroad, the Kazakhstan Cultural Center has been opened in Beijing. The opening of a similar center in Moscow is under consideration.
In animation, the films “Qiyal vs Qadam” and “The Legend of Baiterek” received state support, while 43 animated works have been published on YouTube. For the first time since 2019, five full-length animated films were released nationwide, including “Golden Man,” “Zhelyaq,” “Shokan: Journey to Kashgaria,” “Adam. Narteuikel,” and “Tokty and Serke.”
In August, the international short animation festival “Urker” was held in Aktau, where the animated film “Golden Lake” won the Grand Prix, and “Turan” was nominated in the category of Best Short Film.
In sports, the Government is pursuing a policy of commercialization and reduced budget participation. Several football clubs have been privatized, including Zhenis (Astana), Kaysar (Kyzylorda), Kyzylzhar (Petropavlovsk), Shakhtyor (Karaganda), Aktobe (Aktobe), and Yelimay (Semey). Negotiations are ongoing with potential investors for Okzhetpes (Kokshetau), Tobol (Kostanay), Taraz (Taraz), and Irtysh (Pavlodar).
On December 15, 2025, a multifunctional sports complex worth 13.6 billion tenge was commissioned in Kokshetau. Of the total project cost, 12.6 billion tenge was financed from the Special State Fund.
Digital transformation
In line with the President’s instructions from the IV session of the National Kurultai, the Government has launched a large-scale technological modernization of public administration and the financial sector.
As part of the initiative to launch a National AI Platform, a plan has been approved to implement 36 AI projects across 15 central government bodies. These tools cover a wide range of tasks, from automating tax and customs administration to analytics in transport and science.
A Roadmap for the creation of a National Digital Archive has also been approved. The project follows a hybrid model, with data storage in domestic data centers and analytics handled through cloud services. Following discussions within the working group, it was decided to scale the initiative into a unified cultural and educational portal integrated with the e-Library, e-Archive, e-Culture, and e-Museum systems.
In addition, efforts are underway to ensure the secure circulation of digital assets. The National Bank has developed a package of legislative amendments based on leading international practices from the UAE and the European Union. The document aims to establish systematic regulation of the crypto industry while minimizing risks to the country’s financial system.
