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Kazakhstan — Daily

Kazakhstan Daily: Govt limits Aitu to official use, President orders tighter budgets, and tenge rallies

,   and  Lexica
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Politics

Government Clarifies: Aitu Mandatory for Official Use Only, No Ban on WhatsApp or Telegram

Published: 2025-08-20

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development denied media rumors of a nationwide ban on foreign messaging apps, clarifying that WhatsApp, Telegram, and others remain available for personal use. Authorities are promoting the locally hosted Aitu platform strictly for official communications within central and local government bodies and the quasi-public sector to enhance data protection and integrate with state digital platforms. The shift reflects a broader push toward a protected digital environment, with servers located in-country to meet security requirements. For businesses interacting with government, this may mean more engagement through Aitu in administrative processes, while consumer-facing communications remain unchanged. The ministry emphasized that Aitu is not intended to replace foreign apps in private life, but to secure sensitive workflows in the public sector.

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President Orders Tighter Budget Planning and Efficient Allocation for 2026–2028

Published: 2025-08-20

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired a high-level meeting at Akorda on national economic conditions and budget planning for 2026–2028, attended by the Prime Minister, National Bank Governor, Head of the Presidential Administration, Chair of the Supreme Audit Chamber, and the Deputy PM–Minister of National Economy. Discussions centered on ensuring a balanced budget, ring‑fencing funding for social obligations, and aligning long-term regional plans with targeted, efficient spending. The emphasis signals stricter scrutiny of budget execution across central and local levels, with potential implications for project pipelines, public investment prioritization, and audit oversight. While no new figures were disclosed, the directive suggests more disciplined fiscal management and performance-based allocation in the medium term.

"We must ensure budget balance, fund all social commitments and long-term regional plans, and focus on purposeful allocation and absorption of funds at both national and local levels." - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (aikyn.kz)

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Tax Code Overhaul Rolls Out Tiered Rates, SME Relief and Digital Services

Published: 2025-08-20

The Finance Ministry is conducting a nationwide outreach (Aug 1–Sep 24) to explain key changes in the new Tax Code, with a recent seminar in Aktobe—a mining and industrial hub—highlighting targeted relief for enterprises and a service-oriented tax administration. Officials outlined differentiated corporate income tax and VAT rates, a progressive scale for personal income tax, VAT reform, streamlined reporting, and expanded digital processes. The ministry says phased enforcement actions will depend on debt size, while guidance and training modules will be launched by year-end. These measures aim to keep mature mining projects operational, support jobs, and bolster local infrastructure in mono-industrial towns. The next 10 explanatory seminars begin Aug 25 in Kyzylorda. No direct quotes were provided in the source report.

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Banks Must Work Directly With Delinquent Borrowers After Ban on New Debt Sales to Collectors

Published: 2025-08-20

From 1 July 2024, lenders can no longer sell newly distressed loans to collection agencies; banks and microfinance organizations are required to negotiate directly with borrowers, exploring restructuring, installment plans, interest write-offs, or partial debt forgiveness. Existing pre-ban debts remain with collectors, totaling about 1 trillion tenge as of end-March 2025, mostly from banks. The reform targets past abuses by aggressive collectors and shifts responsibility back to original lenders. Regulators have introduced tougher penalties for misconduct in debt collection, ranging from 118,000 to 2.4 million tenge, applicable to both firms and individual staff. For borrowers, early engagement with their bank is now encouraged as the system emphasizes negotiated solutions over third-party pressure. No official statements were directly quoted in the article.

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Jambyl Region Steps Up Migration Enforcement with Deportations, Fines, and Criminal Cases

Published: 2025-08-20

Authorities in Jambyl Region identified 2,756 irregular migrants since the start of the year, placing all under administrative liability and deporting 648—primarily to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Host parties bear responsibility for foreigners’ compliance with stay rules; 407 Kazakh citizens were fined for failing to ensure timely departures, and 102 individuals were penalized for employing unregistered foreign labor. Total fines for migration law violations reached 65.6 million tenge over the first seven months of 2025. Police also opened three criminal cases for illegal border crossing and eight for organizing illegal migration under Articles 392 and 394 of the Criminal Code.

"In the first seven months of 2025, total fines for migration law violations amounted to 65.6 million tenge, with 3 cases for illegal border crossing and 8 for organizing illegal migration initiated." - Arai Aymbet, Acting Head of the Migration Service Department, Jambyl Police (inform.kz)

Deported Uzbek nationals are required to reimburse return costs, signaling tighter cost-recovery and accountability measures for irregular migration.

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Six Key Rules Clarify Protections for Special Bank Accounts Used for Social Payments

Published: 2025-08-20

Kazakhstan’s financial literacy portal Fingramota.kz outlines six core facts about “special” bank accounts that safeguard social funds. Since 2019, money from state benefits, social payments, pensions, certain alimony, housing savings payouts, and education savings deposits is shielded from seizure or blocking. Banks must open these accounts free of charge and cannot charge maintenance fees. Clients can open them at any second-tier bank or Kazpost, including remotely, and close them at any time; remaining balances are returned or transferred per the service contract. Lenders cannot refuse to open such accounts due to tax arrears or loan delinquencies, and creditors cannot levy funds in them. Only eligible incoming payments are allowed; banks monitor payment purpose codes to ensure compliance.

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Government Press Office Launches Official Channel on Aitu National Messenger

Published: 2025-08-20

The Government’s press service has opened an official channel on Aitu, the domestically developed messaging platform, as part of a broader shift to secure, locally controlled digital communications. The move follows presidential instructions to adopt protected communication tools across state bodies. While details on adoption timelines and scope were not disclosed, the initiative signals an institutional push to reduce reliance on foreign platforms and strengthen information security and data sovereignty. For businesses and organizations engaging with government, Aitu may become a primary conduit for official updates and public messaging, potentially standardizing communication protocols and enhancing resilience against external disruptions. The transition also aligns with regional trends toward national digital infrastructure, suggesting future integration with other e-government services and possible requirements for public-sector communications through Aitu.

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Economy

Tenge Strengthens for Third Straight Session as KASE Dollar Rate Slips

Published: 2025-08-20

The tenge extended its gains for a third consecutive trading day, with the U.S. dollar weakening on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE). Both Inform.kz and Zakon.kz reported a lower dollar fixing during the daytime session on August 20, with KASE’s 15:30 close confirming further downside. While specific rates were not disclosed in the brief updates, the move underscores sustained support for the tenge through mid-August trading. For market participants, the trend may reflect improved FX supply-demand dynamics, potentially linked to seasonal budget conversions, exporter sales, or positioning ahead of late‑August liquidity events. The continuation of this trajectory will hinge on upcoming National Bank operations, oil price stability, and cross‑border risk sentiment. No official statements accompanied the session results in the reports, and no policy shifts were cited.

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Published: 2025-08-20

Ozon Kazakhstan introduced localized terms for sellers contracting with its new local legal entity, initially for FBS (seller’s warehouse, Ozon delivery) operations. Marketplace commissions drop on average by 50% to 7–15% depending on category (from 20–35%), with revised logistics rates of 750–3,050 tenge per item and previously separate costs (dispatch, last mile, acquiring) bundled, reducing total expenses. The platform fully shifts seller operations to the tenge for pricing, balances, fees, and analytics views (site analytics remains in rubles), and increases payout frequency from twice to four times monthly to any Kazakh bank account without minimum thresholds. Document workflow now follows local standards, with broader model coverage planned. Ozon reports 1.5x year-on-year turnover growth in Q2 2025.

"Migrating sellers to a Kazakh legal entity is a natural stage in Ozon’s development in the republic... localization cuts costs and simplifies paperwork and financial operations while preserving access to 60.5 million customers in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan." - Alexey Sapon, CEO of Ozon Kazakhstan (informburo.kz)

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Tenge Fixes at 538.57 per Dollar as Exchange Bureaus Narrow Spreads in Major Cities

Published: 2025-08-20

Kazakhstan’s National Bank set the official rate at 538.57 KZT per USD for 20 August, with EUR at 629.48 and RUB at 6.71. KASE midday trading showed the dollar easing to an average 538.33 KZT, indicating slight appreciation of the tenge versus recent sessions. Exchange bureaus quoted tighter spreads in Almaty and Astana: in Almaty, USD averaged 538.85 (buy) / 540.72 (sell), while Astana posted 536.57 / 543.57. Euro traded around 626–633 KZT and the ruble at 6.63–6.77. The convergence between the official and market rates suggests stable short-term liquidity and limited immediate pressure on the tenge. For corporates and importers, narrower retail spreads reduce transaction costs, while exporters should watch KASE levels and National Bank guidance for signals on intervention or rate volatility.

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Banks Post Record July Profits as Consumer Lending Expands

Published: 2025-08-20

Kazakhstan’s banking sector recorded its strongest month of 2024 in July, with net profit reaching 262 billion tenge—13% higher year-on-year—driving cumulative first-half earnings to roughly 1.6 trillion tenge. Monthly profit momentum remained robust through the first half (January–June: 215–241 billion tenge each month). Halyk Bank led with 473.9 billion tenge in H1 net income, followed by Kaspi Bank (265 billion) and Bank CenterCredit (137.4 billion). The sector now counts 22 banks following regulatory changes and consolidation: a former microfinance institution began operating as BNK Commercial Bank in June, and KMF converted to KMF Bank in mid-August. Analysts attribute profit growth to expanding loan books and strong consumer credit demand, a trend expected to persist into year-end, potentially sustaining high margins and competitive retail offerings.

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Published: 2025-08-20

Kazakhstan’s National Bank reports that aggregate demand for corporate credit remained unchanged in Q2 2025 compared with the previous quarter, while trends varied across market segments. The brief update, released by the central bank’s press service, indicates steady borrowing appetite among businesses and households, suggesting no abrupt tightening in financing conditions. Segment-level divergence typically reflects differing sectoral outlooks, risk appetites, and investment cycles, though the statement did not detail which industries accelerated or slowed borrowing. Stability in overall demand can signal sustained economic activity and manageable credit conditions heading into the second half of 2025. For lenders, unchanged aggregate demand paired with mixed segment dynamics may prompt selective risk pricing and targeted origination strategies. For policymakers, the data supports a wait-and-see stance on monetary settings until clearer patterns emerge in sectoral credit flows and consumer lending behavior.

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Banks Expand Lending as Corporate Credit and Business Activity Strengthen

Published: 2025-08-20

Kazakhstan’s second-tier banks grew their combined loan book to 39.1 trillion tenge in H1 2025, up 9.1% since January. ForteBank led portfolio expansion, adding about 1 trillion tenge to reach 2.9 trillion, supported by corporate lending for working capital and investment projects, refinancing options, and participation in state programs via the Damu Fund. Kaspi Bank’s portfolio rose by 727.4 billion to 6.8 trillion, while Halyk Bank added 601.2 billion to 12.3 trillion. Positive gains were also reported by Bank CenterCredit, Freedom Bank, and Otbasy Bank. The article links credit availability to business activity, noting a dip in corporate lending in April–July 2023 coincided with business activity falling below the neutral 50 index level before rebounding as financing recovered. In spring, ForteBank secured a US$200 million syndicated loan from 14 international banks to fund the real sector.

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Agency Floats Commercial Use of Planned Nuclear Plant’s Name

Published: 2025-08-20

Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency addressed a proposal to monetize the brand of the country’s first nuclear power plant, clarifying considerations around selling naming rights. While specifics remain limited, the concept suggests allowing companies to use the plant’s official name for commercial purposes, a practice seen in sports arenas but rare for critical infrastructure. The move signals early-stage thinking on how to manage public perception, intellectual property, and potential revenue streams tied to the long-deliberated nuclear project. Key implications include regulatory guardrails on state asset branding, potential tender mechanisms for naming rights, and reputational risk management given sensitivities around nuclear energy. No timeline or formal decision was disclosed, and officials did not announce whether such a measure would be part of broader policy on the nuclear sector’s development.

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VAT Refunds for Exporters to Be Fast-Tracked from 2026

Published: 2025-08-20

Kazakhstan will extend the simplified VAT refund procedure to all exporters starting in 2026, enabling refunds without audits within 15 working days. The State Revenue Committee expects the change to affect over 1,000 taxpayers, a sharp increase from the current 40–50 companies eligible under limited categories. To qualify, exporters must have no outstanding tax notices, ensure export turnover is at least 50% of total turnover, and have VAT refund amounts confirmed by audits over the past 12 months. The tax risk management system will determine refundable amounts, with authorities not capped by preset limits—allowing bona fide taxpayers to receive full refunds. Processing timelines will also shorten: audit-based refunds drop from 75 to 55 working days, with earlier start dates, potentially bringing refunds forward by up to two months and improving exporters’ cash flow.

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Hungary’s Aranynektár Plans Honey Production and Processing Plant

Published: 2025-08-20

Hungarian honey producer Aranynektár Kft, one of Europe’s leading apiculture companies, plans to invest in building a honey production and processing plant in Kazakhstan, according to the Agriculture Ministry. The project would introduce European-grade processing capabilities to a market with underutilized beekeeping potential and growing export ambitions to China, the Middle East, and the EU. For Kazakhstan, the plant could formalize supply chains for small and medium apiarists, improve quality standards, and enable value-added exports rather than raw honey sales. Site selection, investment size, timelines, and incentives were not disclosed. If realized, the facility would diversify agri-processing, align with food security goals, and expand agri-tech transfer and certification practices to meet international requirements.

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Dividend Season Lifts KASE as Halyk Bank, KEGOC Lead Yield Rankings

Published: 2025-08-20

Kazakhstan’s dividend season typically drives equity gains from February to mid‑April, when issuers disclose payouts for the prior year. From 2017 to 2025, the KASE Index rose an average 4.2% during this window, or 7% excluding the 2020 pandemic and the 2022 war shock. Post‑record date selling pressure has eased in recent years, indicating deeper issuer analysis and longer‑term positioning. Eight of 10 KASE Index constituents pay dividends, with Halyk Bank (12.4% 12‑month yield) and KEGOC (11.6%) highlighted for consistency; KEGOC’s low beta (0.43) adds defensiveness. Kaztransoil’s yield recovered to just over 8% after cuts in 2022. Air Astana paid 53.7 tenge per share in 2024 (7.33% yield), while Kaspi.kz paused two quarterly payouts due to its Hepsiburada acquisition push. Kazatomprom’s formula ties dividends to operating cash flow, benefiting from dollarized exports. KazMunayGas maintains a flat payout of 491.71 tenge per share for three consecutive years, with yield dilution due to price appreciation. Dividends, largely paid May–June, remain a key price driver on KASE.

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KASE Holds Steady as Nasdaq Slides on Tech Profit-Taking

Published: 2025-08-20

Kazakhstan’s KASE index remained stable while the U.S. Nasdaq declined, with the Kazakhstan Association of Financiers attributing the drop to profit-taking in the technology sector, according to inform.kz. The divergence underscores a cautious turn in global risk sentiment as investors lock in gains from high-flying tech shares. For Kazakhstan-linked portfolios, a steady KASE suggests limited immediate contagion from U.S. tech volatility, though external pressures could resurface if broader risk-off trends deepen. The note indicates market participants are reassessing valuations following a strong run-up in tech, a dynamic that can tighten global liquidity and heighten currency and equity crosswinds in emerging markets. No policy changes or corporate disclosures were cited, and no immediate sector-specific impacts on the KASE were detailed in the brief update.

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Authorities Tighten Controls on Illegal Egg Imports Following Industry-Government Review

Published: 2025-08-20

Kazakhstan’s Trade and Integration Ministry convened an interagency meeting on 15 August to curb illegal chicken egg imports and sales, signaling stricter border checks and faster enforcement mechanisms. Officials from agriculture, customs, veterinary, sanitary-epidemiological, and technical oversight bodies discussed coordinated responses to suspected violations. Working with the Poultry Breeders’ Union, authorities flagged six suspected cases; three resulted in measures under current law, one remains under review, and two were dismissed. A February memorandum among ministries, producers, and retailers set steps to stabilize prices, followed by a six-month import ban effective 4 April to support domestic producers and safeguard the market. Vice Minister Aydar Abildabekov underscored the stakes for food security and fair competition.

"The illegal import of chicken eggs poses a direct threat to food security, undermines the competitive environment, and weakens trust in the state’s measures." - Aydar Abildabekov, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration (dknews.kz)

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Diplomacy

Tokayev to Pay Official Visit to Kyrgyzstan for Strategic Talks and Intergovernmental Council Meeting

Published: 2025-08-20

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will make an official visit to Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of President Sadyr Japarov. During the trip to Bishkek, the leaders are set to hold talks aimed at strengthening the Kazakh–Kyrgyz strategic partnership and alliance, and they will participate in a session of the countries’ High Interstate Council. The agenda signals a focus on deepening political coordination and potentially expanding cooperation in trade, transit, energy, and border facilitation—areas central to both economies and regional connectivity within the Eurasian Economic Union and Central Asia. Outcomes could include updated agreements or roadmaps that streamline cross-border logistics and bolster joint investment projects, offering clearer policy direction for businesses engaged in bilateral operations and regional supply chains.

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Infrastructure

Truck Backlogs Build at Ozinki Crossing as Cargo Flows Shift to Russia’s Saratov Region

Published: 2025-08-20

Freight traffic at the Kazakhstan–Russia border has congested, with heavy queues forming at the Taskala–Ozinki checkpoint while alternative crossings—Shagan–Tyoploye and Aksai–Ilek—remain available, according to Mgorod.kz. Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee Border Service in West Kazakhstan Region links the surge to a rerouting of main cargo flows toward Russia’s Saratov Oblast. Authorities say inspection times have lengthened because many trucks lack technological access hatches in cargo compartments, slowing throughput despite efforts to maintain order at the frontier. Officials advised carriers to equip cargo areas with dedicated inspection passages to accelerate processing and reduce wait times. The bottleneck underscores the fragility of regional road freight capacity and highlights practical compliance steps for operators moving goods between the two countries.

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Housing Waitlist Overhauled as Otbasy Bank Centralizes Applications and Removes Queue Numbers

Published: 2025-08-20

Kazakhstan has updated the rules for the public housing waitlist, shifting all new applications to Otbasy Bank from 24 May 2025 and removing individual queue numbers. The list of applicants was refreshed and republished as of 31 July 2025 after earlier discrepancies in administrative data were corrected. Positioning now depends on registration date and income level rather than a fixed ordinal number, a change intended to standardize processing and reduce errors. Eligibility includes adult citizens who have not owned a home in the past five years or whose sole dwelling is officially deemed unsafe. Applicants can check their status via hcsbk.kz or by logging into orken.otbasybank.kz with an electronic signature to view registration date and category. Applications are submitted online and processed within one business day, with consent confirmed via an SMS from 1414.

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Fast-Charging Network Expands with 43 New Stations on National Highways

Published: 2025-08-20

State road operator KazAvtoZhol is expanding electric vehicle infrastructure on national highways, reporting that 43 modern fast-charging stations are now operational across the country. The rollout is part of a broader push to support EV adoption along intercity corridors, aligning with Kazakhstan’s transport modernization and decarbonization goals. While the announcement indicates momentum, details such as station locations, charging power (kW), payment systems, and interoperability with regional networks were not disclosed. For logistics firms and EV owners, the buildout suggests improving range confidence and reduced downtime on key routes, potentially influencing fleet decisions and private EV uptake. Further updates on coverage density, maintenance standards, and expansion timelines will be pivotal for assessing reliability and planning long-distance travel and freight operations.

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Almaty–Qonayev Toll Road Drives Tourist Surge to Kapshagay and Alakol

Published: 2025-08-20

Almaty Region reports accelerating tourist flows along the 42 km Almaty–Qonayev toll corridor, a key access route to Kapshagay Reservoir and onward to Alakol. Authorities project up to 1.6 million visitors to Kapshagay by season’s end, up from 860,000 already recorded. Daily traffic reaches about 30,000 vehicles, exceeding 50,000 on weekends, making it one of the region’s busiest year-round routes. The dual-direction, three-lane road features 12 payment terminals and new fuel stations built to national standards, with planners targeting facilities every 25 km. Operators warn that on-site payments trigger bottlenecks and urge prepayment to ease flow. Regional officials directly link smoother roads to rising arrivals.

"By the end of the holiday season, approximately 1.6 million people are expected to come to Kapshagay... Road quality is directly linked to this increase in tourist flow." - Sherkhan Yesentemirov, Head of Section, Almaty Region Tourism Department (egemen.kz)

"Every driver should remember to pay the toll before setting out. Paying at the terminal causes delays and leads to congestion." - Dauren Zakirov, Engineer-Architect, KAZhservice LLP (egemen.kz)

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Government Presses Regions to Finish Water Projects as Over KZT 70 Billion Allocated

Published: 2025-08-20

At a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, officials reviewed progress toward the presidential goal of providing universal access to safe drinking water. The Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry is implementing 20 projects this year, aiming to complete eight by year-end—improving service in 149 villages and connecting 1,500 residents in four settlements to centralized supply for the first time. Another 49 villages (over 40,000 people) are set to receive new pipelines, with six additional projects in design across North Kazakhstan, Almaty, and Akmola regions. Bozumbayev criticized lagging execution among several regions despite 269 projects underway nationwide, warning against carryovers into 2025 and emphasizing on-time delivery and continuous government monitoring.

"There must be no projects rolling over to next year. All facilities must be fully commissioned this year. This issue is under my personal control." - Kanat Bozumbayev, Deputy Prime Minister (egemen.kz)

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Society

New Criminal Offense Targets Stalking with Fines, Community Service, or Detention

Published: 2025-08-20

President Tokayev signed amendments introducing Article 115-1 (“Stalking”) to the Criminal Code, effective 16 July 2025, establishing criminal liability for persistent, non-violent harassment that infringes personal freedom and privacy. Stalking is defined as attempts to surveil or contact a person without consent that cause significant harm. Penalties include a fine up to 200 monthly calculation indices (MCI), up to 200 hours of community service, or up to 50 days’ detention. If stalking involves violence, threats, extortion, or intrusion into private life, additional criminal articles apply. Prosecutors emphasized that cases commence when actual harm is demonstrated—such as invasion of privacy, restrictions on movement, or psychological pressure—and clarified that lawful actions by authorities are excluded. Authorities urge prompt reporting to police when stalking signs appear.

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Central Bank Issues Advisory to the Public

Published: 2025-08-20

The National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan issued a public advisory on August 20, 2025, signaling information of importance for residents. While the announcement indicates an official warning and outreach to citizens, the notice as reported did not include details on the subject matter, scope, or practical instructions. For market participants and consumers, such advisories typically relate to currency operations, payment systems, fraud prevention, or regulatory changes affecting financial services. Without specifics, immediate operational impact remains unclear; businesses and individuals may wish to monitor the National Bank’s website and official channels for clarifications and implementation guidance. The timing suggests a proactive communication stance by the monetary authority, but further context is needed to assess implications for banking operations, exchange rate dynamics, or consumer protections.

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Two Suspects Detained in Almaty Over Cyber Fraud Scheme

Published: 2025-08-20

Authorities detained two Kazakh citizens in Almaty in a coordinated operation targeting cyber fraud. The action, led by the Prosecutor’s Office with operational support from the National Security Committee’s regional division (UKKD) and the city police, was conducted in cooperation with Kazakhtelecom. The brief official notice indicates law enforcement disrupted suspected cybercriminal activity, reflecting continued focus on telecom-enabled scams that have proliferated across the region. While details on the alleged scheme, seized assets, or charges were not disclosed, the involvement of multiple agencies and the national telecom operator suggests efforts to dismantle networks exploiting communications infrastructure. No timeline for further announcements was provided. No direct quotes or named officials were included in the report.

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Almaty Opens 55-Bed Crisis Center for University Students

Published: 2025-08-20

A new 55-bed crisis center has been launched at Dormitory No. 4 of the M. Tynyshpaev ALT University in Almaty, according to state news agency reports. The facility is designed to provide immediate support for students facing emergencies or acute personal difficulties, addressing a service gap on university campuses. While detailed operational protocols and services (such as mental health counseling, legal assistance, or temporary shelter) were not specified, the location within a university residence suggests a focus on rapid access and confidentiality for students. The move aligns with a broader national emphasis on student welfare and safety infrastructure in major cities. Authorities did not provide timelines for full service rollout, referral criteria, or funding mechanisms, leaving open questions about accessibility for non-ALT students and coordination with municipal social services.

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Where Student Rentals Make Most Sense in Astana: District-by-District Breakdown

Published: 2025-08-20

Astana’s rental market for students varies sharply by district and proximity to universities. Most institutions sit on the right bank: L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Almaty district, and Astana Medical University plus S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University in Saryarka. The left-bank Esil district hosts Nazarbayev University and Astana IT University, along with many modern residences and entertainment venues. Rents in Esil start around 180,000–200,000 tenge per month, with typical two- to three-room apartments averaging 250,000–450,000. Almaty district offers broad price dispersion and strong transport links to the city center, while Saryarka and Almaty generally provide more budget-friendly options than Esil. The article emphasizes choosing housing close to campus to reduce commute time and stresses formal lease agreements and pre-rental inspections to avoid disputes.

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Environment

Regions Roll Out Extensive Flood-Prevention Works for Spring 2026

Published: 2025-08-20

Authorities are advancing a multi-year flood preparedness program ahead of spring 2026, executing large-scale engineering and organizational measures to mitigate seasonal flood risk. In Akmola region, a comprehensive plan spans 227 actions across 141 settlements, prioritizing embankment construction and reinforcement, clearing, widening and deepening river channels and ditches, and replacing or repairing water crossings and bridges. Officials report 63 measures completed, 83 underway, and preparatory work ongoing for 80 more, with deadlines set following a regional coordination meeting. In Astana, a Road Map guides river channel reconstruction, establishment of water protection zones, shoreline improvements, and installation of drainage systems in protective dams. The coordinated approach aims to ensure safe passage of meltwater, and protect populations, infrastructure, and industrial assets, reducing flood risks during the spring thaw.

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Air Quality Alert Expanded to Six Cities on Aug. 20

Published: 2025-08-20

Kazhydromet warns of unfavorable meteorological conditions on 20 August that could degrade air quality in Jezkazgan, Karaganda, Balkhash, Oskemen, Almaty, and overnight in Astana. The agency cites short-term weather factors—calm air, light winds, fog, and temperature inversion—that can trap pollutants near the surface, raising concentrations in urban areas. Such alerts typically signal higher health risks for sensitive groups and potential short-term advisories for reduced outdoor activity. While no duration or mitigation steps were specified, the expanded list marks a sharp increase from a previous notice that mentioned only three cities. Businesses and residents in affected areas should monitor local updates and consider temporary measures to limit exposure, particularly during peak stagnation periods.

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Conference Maps Path to 2060 Carbon Neutrality with Nuclear and Behavioral Solutions

Published: 2025-08-20

A policy conference in Astana convened by the National Analytical Center, Harvard’s Davis Center, and Nazarbayev University’s Social Development Fund outlined priorities for transitioning to a green economy and meeting Kazakhstan’s 2060 carbon-neutrality goal. Discussions centered on scaling renewable energy, balancing climate targets with national economic priorities, and mobilizing investment for decarbonization. Behavioral science approaches to improve household energy efficiency were highlighted by National Analytical Center experts as a cost-effective lever for demand-side savings. The formation of a nuclear energy cluster emerged as a key pillar to enhance energy security, support decarbonization, and position the country within global low-carbon supply chains. The event concluded with applied recommendations to the government, emphasizing alignment of environmental objectives with economic stability and the need to harmonize national interests with international commitments, while strengthening cooperation with leading domestic and global research institutions.

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Choosing Between Petrol and Diesel in 2025: Cost, Maintenance, and Policy Considerations

Published: 2025-08-20

A consumer guide from Egemen.kz compares petrol and diesel cars for 2025, highlighting usage patterns as the key determinant. Diesel engines remain more fuel-efficient on highways and pay off for frequent long-distance drivers, while petrol engines typically cost less to service and suit short, urban trips. Modern diesel systems—DPF, turbochargers, and injectors—are prone to costly failures, especially with stop‑start city driving. Petrol engines offer smoother dynamics and quieter cabins; diesel’s high torque favors heavy loads and off-road use. European cities increasingly restrict diesel due to NOx and soot emissions; Kazakhstan has not introduced comparable limits, but global trends point toward hybrids and EVs. The article concludes there is no single right answer—the optimal choice depends on driving profile, comfort preferences, and long-term maintenance risk.

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Innovation

Published: 2025-08-20

Kazakhstan’s e-PSD portal (epsd.kz) has been integrated with the State Urban Planning Cadastre’s automated information system (МҚҚК ААЖ), accelerating digital delivery of construction-related public services. Three services are now accessible within a unified digital environment: issuance of initial design materials for construction or reconstruction, approval of sketch (concept) designs, and technical specifications for connecting to engineering and utility networks. Applicants submitting for expert review on epsd.kz now only need to provide the object’s unique ID; required base documents, such as APZ and sketch approvals, are automatically retrieved from the cadastre. The integration is designed to cut preparation time, reduce paperwork, and improve user convenience for developers and design firms. This move aligns with ongoing digitization pilots in the construction sector, signaling a push toward end-to-end electronic workflows and potentially faster project approvals.

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Published: 2025-08-20

Abai Region’s governor Berik Uali outlined broad education upgrades at the August conference, aligning with national directives to raise quality and modernize infrastructure. Early childhood capacity shortages narrowed by 5% this year, aided by voucher financing now in 73 Semey kindergartens and slated for regionwide expansion in 2025. In general education, a 1,200-seat IT school opened through private investment, while two 1,500-seat schools launched under the “Future Schools” program; two more are due by year-end, and a 300-seat school is under construction. All schools are being equipped with modern devices, with 12 undergoing major repairs, nine full renovations, and 52 upgrades. Digital access is expanding as 135 schools connected to Starlink and 90 adopt automated systems. Safety measures include universal CCTV and safer school routes for over 96% of institutions. Additional projects include a new “Palace of Schoolchildren” in Semey and a children’s camp in Abai district, plus a planned 1,500-seat Darýn school backed by Astana. Technical education is also advancing with a new high-tech college and strong WorldSkills results. The governor closed by underscoring the sector’s core mission.

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Health

Life Expectancy Tops National Chart in Astana as TB, Stroke and Infant Mortality Decline

Published: 2025-08-20

Astana has recorded the highest life expectancy in Kazakhstan, according to the city administration’s official website. The improvement coincides with reported declines in tuberculosis incidence, stroke cases, and infant mortality, signaling gains in primary care and public health interventions. While detailed figures were not provided, the trend suggests sustained investment in screening, maternal-child health services, and non-communicable disease management. For employers and residents, the data points to a healthier urban environment and potential shifts in healthcare demand toward preventive services. Continued transparency on metrics and regional comparisons will be key to assessing durability of these outcomes and identifying gaps—particularly in access for migrant populations and peripheral districts—and could inform future allocation of resources across Kazakhstan’s urban centers.

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Health Ministry Updates Risk-Based Oversight List for Medical Providers

Published: 2025-08-20

The Health Ministry revised the registry of medical service providers subject to state oversight by risk category, adding entities to the high, medium, and low-risk lists under an order dated 8 August 2025. The update adjusts which organizations face heightened inspections and compliance requirements, reflecting the ministry’s ongoing risk-based supervision framework. While the announcement did not detail which facilities were reclassified, the move signals closer scrutiny of providers deemed more likely to pose patient safety or compliance risks. For healthcare operators, changes may affect audit frequency, documentation standards, and remedial action plans; for patients, the measure aims to strengthen quality and safety controls. The order, issued by the Minister of Health, aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader shift toward targeted regulatory enforcement to optimize resources and improve clinical governance across public and private medical institutions.

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