Kazakhstan Local Politics - The Times Of Central Asia

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DUMK

Kazakhstan to Launch AI-Powered Imam App

Kazakhstan’s Spiritual Administration of Muslims (DUMK) is set to integrate artificial intelligence into religious practice with the launch of Imam AI, a mobile application designed to provide believers with instant, Sharia-compliant answers to religious questions. The initiative aims to ease the burden on clergy and offer verified religious guidance in a digital format. According to DUMK, the adoption of AI reflects growing public demand for fast and reliable religious information. “In line with modern requirements, we need to systematically introduce the capabilities of artificial intelligence into the religious sphere,” the organization stated in a post on the muftyatkz Instagram page. The Imam AI app will be built on AI technology and will draw from authenticated sources of Islamic knowledge. Supreme Mufti Nauryzbay Kazhy Taganuly stated that the platform would comply fully with Sharia law while providing accessible, on-demand religious consultations. This development is part of a broader effort to digitally transform religious institutions in Kazakhstan. The country has already begun incorporating AI into public administration, notably with the introduction of SKAI, a neural network based on a national language model used in state and quasi-state management. As a further step, DUMK plans to draft a Digital Development Concept for 2026-2028, which will set priorities for the digitalization of religious activities. The Supreme Mufti stressed that failing to adapt to technological change means falling behind the needs of contemporary society. “We are living in an era of technology and digital opportunity. Our responsibility is the systematic and widespread use of digital solutions and artificial intelligence in religious practice, in full accordance with Sharia law,” Taganuly noted. Another key initiative involves the creation of an Islamic finance sector under DUMK. The Mufti stated that growing religious awareness and a desire for ethical earnings have fueled demand for financial products that align with Islamic principles. The new sector will offer Sharia reviews of financial instruments and issue fatwas related to leasing, insurance, investments, bonds, digital assets, and electronic payment systems. Together, the launch of Imam AI and the institutionalization of Islamic finance mark a broader convergence of religion, technology, and economics in Kazakhstan. A recent joint report by the Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank Institute, and the London Stock Exchange forecasts steady growth in Islamic finance across Central Asia. For Kazakhstan, the digitalization of the religious sphere is becoming a key component of its broader modernization agenda, positioning AI not as a novelty but as a practical tool for improving access and meeting evolving societal expectations.

Road Safety

Kazakh Politician Proposes Allowing Private Laboratories to Conduct Driver Intoxication Tests

Zhanna Asanova, a member of the Senate, the upper house of Kazakhstan’s parliament, has proposed allowing private medical laboratories to conduct examinations for alcohol and drug intoxication in drivers. The proposal was submitted as a parliamentary inquiry addressed to the government. At present, such medical examinations are conducted exclusively by state-run medical institutions equipped with laboratory facilities. However, Asanova argued that the capacity of this system is severely limited. Citing Almaty as an example, she noted that Kazakhstan’s largest city, with a population exceeding two million, currently has only two state laboratories handling all intoxication-related cases. This, she said, hinders the timely processing of examinations. Asanova emphasized that the current centralized model creates both procedural delays and corruption risks. The absence of alternative institutions undermines public trust in the objectivity of results and creates opportunities for abuse. “The remoteness and overload of laboratories mean that individuals remain in a vulnerable procedural position for hours, while police officers waste time and resources. This undermines the overall effectiveness of the law enforcement system,” she said. The senator also noted that citizens currently have no right to choose their testing institution or request an independent re-examination, which restricts their ability to mount an effective legal defense. Another risk, according to Asanova, stems from the heavy workload and outdated equipment in some state laboratories. These limitations can lead to procedural violations during sample collection, storage, and analysis, ultimately compromising the reliability of evidence presented in court. She also pointed out that existing equipment in state labs is not always capable of detecting a broad spectrum of psychoactive substances, including synthetic, combined, and toxic compounds such as so-called “salts”, which require more advanced testing technologies. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has a network of private laboratories equipped with modern diagnostic tools and staffed by qualified professionals, but their resources remain largely untapped within the current system. As a solution, Asanova proposed creating a new model that would allow accredited private laboratories to conduct medical examinations on equal footing with state institutions, and to include them in a unified national register. She also called for granting citizens the right to independently select a laboratory for repeat testing. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to reform Kazakhstan’s road safety system. Previously The Times of Central Asia reported that Senator Marat Kozhaev had proposed introducing an “idiocy test” for repeat traffic offenders as a potential basis for revoking their driving licenses.

Parliamentary Reform

Kazakhstan Debates Parliamentary Reform as Inflation Pressures Living Standards

The Kazakh government is actively developing the framework for a future unicameral parliament, working to define its status, powers, and functions. Currently, Kazakhstan’s legislative branch consists of two chambers: the Senate and the Mazhilis. The proposed transition to a unicameral system has been positioned by authorities as a step toward democratization. However, many citizens remain unclear about the details and implications of the reform, particularly as inflation and declining living standards dominate public concern. Uncertain Details of Reform In September 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed holding a nationwide referendum on transitioning to a unicameral parliament in 2027. While some analysts have speculated about a faster timeline, no official acceleration beyond 2027 has been announced. "The establishment of a parliamentary republic is not under consideration. The foundational model of a 'Strong President, Influential Parliament, Accountable Government' remains unchanged," Tokayev previously stated. According to political analyst Gaziz Abishev, pivotal developments are expected on January 20, when the National Kurultai (Assembly) convenes. He believes this meeting will outline the contours of constitutional reform and potentially signal a date for the referendum. “If the decree on holding a referendum is signed during the Kurultai, the vote could be held on March 22 [2026],” Abishev stated. Under the current system, the Senate represents regions and appointive quotas, reviewing legislation passed by the Mazhilis and serving as a constitutional buffer. Any move to unicameralism would require redefining how regional interests are represented and how legislative oversight is maintained without an upper chamber. The National Kurultai serves as a platform for dialogue between the government and society, addressing national identity, economic development, social justice, and improving the quality of life. Historically, the Kurultai was a gathering of Turkic and Mongol tribes. Over 500 Public Proposals Submitted Public discussion around the proposed unicameral parliament has been active. Since the launch of a dedicated “Parliamentary Reform” section on the state portals e-Otinish and Egov, over 500 proposals have been submitted by citizens, experts, and public organizations. Despite this engagement, tangible benefits for ordinary citizens remain vague, aside from a potential reduction in government spending. Globally, more than half of national parliaments operate as unicameral systems. According to IPU Parline, 107 out of 188 legislatures follow this model, primarily in unitary states with smaller populations. Unicameral systems are often praised for faster legislative processes, lower administrative costs, and increased transparency. Kazakhstan previously had a unicameral legislature under the 1993 Constitution. Following the invalidation of the 1994 elections, the Supreme Council was dissolved. In 1995, the country transitioned to its current bicameral system. The Senate, as the upper house, plays a stabilizing and arbitration role. Analysts caution that without a second chamber, legislative processes may be vulnerable to hasty or populist decisions. Potential for Early Elections Abishev suggests that a referendum in March 2026 could prompt an early electoral cycle. "Under the current schedule, the next Mazhilis elections are set for January 2028. However, they could be moved up to summer 2026 if Parliament adopts a constitutional amendment package in April...

Kazakh Government Rules Out AI Deputy Ministers

AI will not be occupying senior government posts in Kazakhstan anytime soon. While AI-based tools may serve as advisors and consultants to top officials, there are currently no plans to appoint virtual or digital deputy ministers. This was confirmed by Rostislav Konyashkin, First Deputy Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. The question arose during a press conference following a cabinet meeting, when journalists referenced Albania’s 2025 decision to appoint a virtual minister for public procurement, the first of its kind globally. They asked whether Kazakhstan was considering a similar initiative. According to Konyashkin, AI systems have not yet reached the level of reliability required for managing official functions. “As political officials, we are responsible for the decisions we make, so the emergence of digital deputy ministers is not expected at this time. When AI provides correct answers in 95-97% of cases, then perhaps we can begin discussing the transfer of some powers to algorithms. For now, we are only talking about AI assisting in analysis and decision-making,” he stated. Konyashkin expressed hope that in the future, personal AI assistants could be developed to the level of full-fledged consultants and advisors, significantly easing the workload of civil servants. Only after practical trials of such systems, he noted, could discussions about formal AI appointments begin. He also pointed to an existing example: the SKAI (Samruk-Kazyna Artificial Intelligence) neural network, which was added to the board of directors at the state holding company Samruk-Kazyna. However, its role remains consultative and does not involve decision-making authority. Konyashkin additionally outlined plans to establish a secure digital environment enabling Kazakh civil servants to work remotely. This includes secure access to work systems via tablets and trusted laptops, particularly during field operations conducted by ministries and akimats. To support this, a unified authorization system is in development, with optional biometric identification for accessing sensitive personal data. There are also plans to integrate various digital tools, video conferencing, messaging platforms, and email, into a single work interface. According to Konyashkin, this will streamline administrative processes and enhance the efficiency of Kazakhstan’s digital infrastructure.

January 2022

From Rupture to Resilience: Kazakhstan’s Political Recalibration After January 2022

The upcoming anniversary of the events that started on 2 January 2022 in Kazakhstan invites a measured reflection rather than simple retrospection. The protests and subsequent violence marked a decisive turning point in the country’s recent history, exposing deep structural challenges and forcing a reassessment of the relationship between state and society. More than merely presenting an occasion to recall a time of crisis, this anniversary should also serve as an opportunity to assess how Kazakhstan has since evolved — specifically, whether the lessons of that rupture have been translated into durable political reforms and have created a more resilient path forward. Remembering the onset and evolution of the events The January 2022 protests were triggered by a sudden surge in liquefied petroleum gas prices, a critical cost for many households, particularly in western regions of Kazakhstan. The immediate economic shock quickly gave rise to broader demands rooted in long-standing grievances over rising living costs, inequality, corruption, and the concentration of political power. The violent escalation also unfolded against resistance from some political elites to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s emerging reform agenda. As Svante E. Cornell of the Washington D.C.-based Central Asia Caucasus Institute notes, efforts to curb entrenched patronage networks and rebalance authority had already generated opposition within the ruling elite, and the January crisis exposed these internal fractures. This context helps explain why the unrest moved beyond socioeconomic protests to a direct challenge to constitutional order. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations deteriorated as state authority weakened and organized groups linked to the old political elite exploited the unrest, transforming socioeconomic protest into coordinated violence. While the relative roles of spontaneous escalation, elite manipulation, and institutional failure remain contested, armories were raided, government buildings set ablaze, and security forces attacked in a coordinated manner, most notably in Almaty. Official figures put the death toll at at least 238, including 19 law-enforcement officers, marking a clear rupture between legitimate protest and armed unrest driven by criminal networks, intra-elite contestation, and failures of command and control. Had the violent seizure of power by non-constitutional means succeeded, it would likely have entrenched authority through force, foreclosed institutional reform, and plunged Kazakhstan into prolonged instability and isolation. Investigations followed the January 2022 violence, but key aspects—including the sequence of events and responsibility for deaths of peaceful civilians—have not been fully clarified in a comprehensive public account. While the state restored order and proceeded with reforms, dissatisfaction persists, particularly from some of the families of the deceased. Subsequent reforms and policy shifts After January 2022, President Tokayev moved quickly to stabilize the country and initiate a series of political and constitutional reforms. The unrest exposed longstanding structural imbalances in governance and state–society relations, reinforcing the rationale for a reform agenda centered on a “Fair and Just Kazakhstan” and a state more responsive to citizens’ needs. Significant constitutional changes adopted by referendum in June of 2022 were a key part of this process. These reforms reduced the concentration of presidential power, strengthened parliament, limited presidential terms, eased...

Transport

Astana Plans to Launch Driverless Taxis in 2026

Kazakhstan plans to launch pilot projects for autonomous taxi services in Astana as early as 2026. Memorandums of cooperation have been signed between the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, the Ministry of Transport, the capital’s akimat, and private companies inDrive and Yandex Qazaqstan. According to the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, Astana will be among the first cities in Kazakhstan to test driverless urban transport in real-world conditions. The initiative is part of the country’s broader “smart city” strategy and includes a phased rollout from the creation of a testing ground and a “regulatory sandbox” to limited on-road operation. The inDrive pilot project is expected to begin in early 2026. A preliminary route has already been mapped in coordination with the capital’s local government (akimat), running from Astana International Airport to the Abu Dhabi Plaza business center on the left bank of the Ishim River. Before deployment, all autonomous vehicles will undergo rigorous safety testing, including assessments related to passenger, pedestrian, and road user safety. Operators and manufacturers will oversee vehicle performance, and road risk evaluations will be mandatory. InDrive stated that the Astana project draws on the company’s previous experience with autonomous transport in Saudi Arabia. The driverless taxi service will be accessible through a mobile app, with designated boarding areas planned at Astana Airport. Full-scale deployment will proceed only after testing is complete and regulatory approvals are in place. A parallel pilot project is also planned with Yandex Qazaqstan. The company intends to gradually introduce autonomous taxis on a limited number of routes, beginning with trial operations. The service will feature 24/7 dispatch support, passenger insurance, and AI-based systems for real-time monitoring of road conditions. Expansion will follow once operational experience has been gained. The ministry highlighted that countries already using driverless taxis have reported reductions in serious traffic accidents. Authorities in Kazakhstan expect similar benefits, alongside a broader transformation in the ride-hailing industry and urban transportation. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is also preparing the infrastructure and regulatory frameworks for autonomous trucking on intercity highways.