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05 Dec 2025

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How Vaccine Refusals Are Affecting Public Health in Kazakhstan

December 5, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

New data from analysts at Ranking.kz highlights a concerning trend: rising anti-vaccination sentiment in Kazakhstan is contributing to the resurgence of infectious diseases that could have been prevented through routine immunization.

A Sharp Rise in Preventable Infections

According to the National Statistics Bureau, the incidence of several vaccine-preventable diseases has spiked over the past five years. When comparing cases per 100,000 people between 2019 and 2024, whooping cough increased 19-fold, scarlet fever 5.4-fold, viral hepatitis 3.1-fold, and measles nearly doubled. These increases are also reflected in absolute numbers.

The resurgence of measles is particularly striking. After a decline following the 2018-19 outbreak, the disease surged again in 2023, with cases jumping from just 4 to 29,700. Health officials described it as the largest outbreak in a decade, attributing the spike to imported infections and their spread among unvaccinated communities.

While the situation showed little improvement by the end of 2024, 2025 brought some relief. According to Kazakhstan’s chief sanitary doctor, Sarkhat Beisenova, 2,800 cases were recorded in the first ten months of the year. Notably, 80% of those infected were unvaccinated children, mostly due to parental refusal.

Why Vaccine Refusals Are Increasing

The number of vaccination refusals has been rising steadily in Kazakhstan. According to the Ministry of Health, there were 5,300 recorded refusals in 2017. By 2024, that figure had jumped to 20,700 and approached 20,000 again in 2025.

A 2024 UNICEF study revealed that in 60% of cases, parents offered no specific reason for refusing vaccinations, citing only personal beliefs. Religious objections accounted for 12%, distrust of vaccines for another 12%, and 6% admitted they were influenced by negative rumors. Social media continues to fuel fear around “severe vaccine reactions,” “risks of complications,” and widely debunked myths, such as a link between vaccines and autism.

In response, Kazakhstan’s National Center for Public Health has launched an informational portal to provide evidence-based explanations of vaccine safety and to refute common misinformation.

Herd Immunity: A Collective Responsibility

To effectively stop the spread of contagious diseases, a high level of immunization is critical. For measles, 95-97% of the population must be vaccinated; for polio, around 80%. According to the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, Kazakhstan’s overall vaccine coverage stood at 95.3% in February 2025.

International data supports Kazakhstan’s strong vaccination rates among infants. In 2024, more than 98% of children under one were vaccinated against polio, hepatitis B, whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. Measles and rubella vaccinations reached 93%, and pneumococcus 90%, rates higher than the global, Asian, and European averages. Still, even a small unvaccinated population segment can trigger disease outbreaks.

The World Health Organization classifies vaccine hesitancy as one of the top threats to global health. A landmark study by Australian epidemiologist Andrew Shattock, published in The Lancet, modeled a world without vaccines. Over the past 50 years, vaccines have prevented 154 million deaths, 146 million of them children under five.

“In 2024, the probability that a child under 10 will live to see their next birthday is 40% higher than in a world without vaccination. This increased survival likelihood even extends into old age,” Shattock noted.

Child mortality differences are stark: 2.8% globally versus 4.7% in a vaccine-free scenario. Thanks to widespread immunization, Kazakhstan has eliminated diseases such as typhoid fever, diphtheria, cholera, plague, and others. Yet these gains are fragile and could be reversed if herd immunity continues to erode.

05 Dec 2025

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The Future of Kyrgyz Tech – Scaling Global Companies, Attracting Foreign Capital

December 8, 2025
By Owen Prew

In the second installment of our exclusive two-part interview, The Times of Central Asia continues its deep dive into Kyrgyzstan’s evolving tech landscape with Elena Nechaeva, Head of Communications at the High Technology Park of the Kyrgyz Republic (HTP).

Last week, we explored the startups and entrepreneurs who are currently building and scaling global businesses.

If you missed it, you can read the first part of the interview here.

This week, we focus on policy reform, cross-border cooperation, investor outreach, and the path ahead for Kyrgyz entrepreneurs in an increasingly globally competitive market.

Image: The High Technology Park, Kyrgyz Republic

TCA: In terms of regulation and policy, what improvements or reforms would you like to see to better support innovation?

Elena Nechaeva: There are several policy improvements that could really accelerate innovation in Kyrgyzstan, and many tech leaders have been very open about them.

One of the biggest needs is a clearer national strategy for startups. Now, it’s not fully defined who exactly drives startup development and what the government’s long-term role should be. A coordinated approach with clear ownership would help the ecosystem grow much faster.

Another important area is venture legislation and a stronger legal framework. Founders and investors often mention the need for a proper venture law, elements of English common law, and better protection of intellectual property. These changes would make it far easier to attract long-term capital and for investors to feel confident working with local companies.

There’s also a lot of focus on the importance of modernizing higher education and expanding international partnerships. Strong engineering programs and links between academia and industry are essential for deep-tech development.

And finally, Kyrgyzstan needs policies that help retain and attract talent. The digital nomad visa is already showing positive results, but it can be expanded.

TCA: How does the Kyrgyz Republic’s tech ecosystem compare to others in Central Asia or the wider region?

Nechaeva: If you look at the region by population size, Kyrgyzstan is much smaller – about 7 million people, compared to nearly 20 million in Kazakhstan and over 36 million in Uzbekistan. And yet, with a far smaller talent pool and fewer resources, the country already exports more than $130 million in IT services, almost entirely to global markets.

Whilst Kyrgyzstan’s tech ecosystem is smaller than some of our neighbors, it is one of the fastest-growing. What makes it different is that it is being developed from the bottom up – driven by founders, engineers, and communities rather than large state programs. That’s why the ecosystem is very agile, open, with a real-world focus on exports.

Another difference is the mindset: Kyrgyz startups grow with a “global from day one” approach. They don’t build for a domestic market – they build for the U.S., Europe, and the wider world from day one. That creates a very different culture and pushes teams to compete internationally right from the start.

So, while our ecosystem is smaller in size, it’s fast, flexible, and globally focused, and that’s exactly why it’s gaining attention in the region.

TCA: Is HTP actively working to attract foreign investors or international companies? If so, how?

Nechaeva: Yes, the HTP is highly active in attracting foreign investors and international companies. We participate in major global tech events, GITEX Dubai, Gamescom, CES, Digital Bridge, ICT Week, Web Summit, and others, where we showcase Kyrgyz companies and IT solutions, meet with investors, and build long-term partnerships.

A central part of our strategy is the KIT Forum, our flagship annual event held at the end of May each year.

Last year, we welcomed participants from over 20 countries, hosted 60-plus speakers, drew more than 3,000 attendees, and featured over 40 companies at the expo.

HTP also operates a dedicated Global Development Department, which builds relationships with foreign companies, facilitates international communication, and works to attract both investors and tech firms to Kyrgyzstan.

Our approach is clear: maintain global presence, build trust, and demonstrate that Kyrgyzstan is an emerging tech hub with fantastic talent, competitive operating costs, and an open, business-friendly environment.

TCA: Are there partnerships or joint ventures with other tech parks or innovation hubs across the EAEU, CIS, or globally?

Nechaeva: Yes, Kyrgyzstan is actively engaged in several regional and international tech initiatives.

The country participates in regional forums and exchanges, such as the Digital Startup Awards (DSA), which held its semi-finals in Kyrgyzstan and brought together innovation hubs from across Central Asia, including Uzbekistan’s IT Park, demonstrating strong regional collaboration.

The Ministry of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies signed an MoU with Central Asia Capital Investment Fund to create a new technology hub in Tokmok, combining manufacturing, high-tech infrastructure, and startup support.

Another strong example is our cooperation with the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), which co-organized the KIT Forum, now a shared platform for innovation across the Turkic world.

We also partner with organizations like Accelerate Prosperity, which operates throughout Central Asia and supports cross-border startup programs, joint pitch sessions, and investor engagement.

TCA: What is the USP for launching a tech company in Kyrgyzstan right now?

Nechaeva: Kyrgyzstan’s unique advantage lies in its speed, affordability, and global accessibility. It’s one of the few places where you can register a company in just three business days, maintain 100% foreign ownership, and operate fully remotely without a physical office.

The regulatory environment is streamlined, government-backed, and legally protected, giving founders vital certainty.

HTP’s regulatory and fiscal framework has also been tailored for export-oriented tech businesses. The generous tax incentives ensure that more capital goes toward growth rather than taxation.

Operational costs are extremely competitive; Kyrgyzstan ranks among the most affordable countries globally, allowing startups to extend their runway and reinvest in product and talent. The banking infrastructure is also robust, with 21 banks and over 1,000 service points, making it easy for international founders to operate.

The country also boasts a growing, export-driven tech workforce supported by modern tech hubs, co-working spaces, and the HTP community of over 500 companies exporting to 63 countries. While the domestic market is small, the ecosystem is globally focused from the outset.

Finally, lifestyle is a major draw. Kyrgyzstan offers pristine natural beauty, rivers, forests, alpine lakes, and world-class mountains. You can finish a work call and be hiking or skiing within 20 minutes. For many in tech, the balance between global work and active outdoor living is a major incentive – think Boulder, Colorado, but without the price tag.

TCA: What new initiatives or developments can we expect from the High Technology Park in the next year or two?

Nechaeva: In the next 12-24 months, the HTP will evolve from being primarily a virtual tax regime into a more physical, innovation-driven ecosystem. One of our most exciting developments is the creation of a new High-Tech Laboratory, a space to bring together founders, researchers, deep-tech teams, and innovators from across the country.

This initiative supports teams like ArtSkin, whose advanced work in prosthetic technology demands specialized infrastructure. The lab will enable experimentation, prototyping, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in AI, deep tech, engineering, and hardware at a level previously unavailable in Kyrgyzstan.

HTP will continue to be the region’s easiest place to launch a tech company, but soon, it will also be where breakthrough technologies are built.

TCA: How do you envision the HTP shaping Kyrgyzstan’s digital economy by 2030?

Nechaeva: By 2030, HTP aims to be a central driver for Kyrgyzstan’s digital economy. President Sadyr Japarov has already identified tech as a national priority.

Our goals include significantly increasing IT exports, scaling globally competitive product companies, and nurturing a deeper talent pool of engineers, researchers, and founders. HTP will be more than a launchpad; it will be the innovation core for deep-tech, AI, and engineering.

In 2024, HTP resident revenue reached $131 million, a more than sixfold growth since 2018. Under conservative projections, we expect revenues to hit $600-750 million by 2030, and under an accelerated strategy, to surpass $1 billion.

With a GDP of roughly $16-17 billion, this means IT already comprises around 1% of the national economy, nearly all from exports. If HTP maintains its trajectory, tech could account for 3-5% of GDP and 10-20% of exports, creating thousands of high-paying jobs in the country.

In short, if we meet our targets, IT will become one of the key pillars of the economy by 2030.

TCA: Are there emerging technologies or trends that the park is particularly focused on (e.g., blockchain, green tech, quantum computing)?

Nechaeva: AI is the leading area of focus for HTP. Teams are already working on speech tech, automation, analytics, and applied AI, with strong momentum continuing to build.

We are also increasingly focusing on blockchain and Web3. Kyrgyzstan recently hosted a major Web3 conference, and government interest in developing this sector is growing. HTP plans to support blockchain ventures through regulation, education, and global partnerships.

TCA: Finally, Elena, what message would you like to send to young Kyrgyz entrepreneurs or worldwide tech talent considering starting a technology business in Kyrgyzstan?

Nechaeva: In tech, the winners are those who spot opportunities before they go mainstream. They notice momentum in places others overlook.

Kyrgyzstan is one of those places: a small country with no coastline, no oil, and no vast population, but with something far more valuable: great Wi-Fi, a fantastic talent pool, low costs, a builder’s mindset, and a community that knows how to grow from the ground up; and did I mention how stunningly beautiful it is?

In the coming years, I hope that Kyrgyzstan will become a story of how a small nation used technology, creativity, and global reach to outperform expectations.

And right now is the perfect time to become part of that story, before it becomes the headline. The door is open. Jump in while the momentum is just beginning.

Thank you to Elena Nechaeva and the High Technology Park for providing The Times of Central Asia with such a detailed insight into Kyrgyzstan’s digital innovation ecosystem.

If you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, international investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, then you can find out more about the High Technology Park at: https://htp.kg/

05 Dec 2025

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Gennady Golovkin Becomes First Kazakhstani Inducted into Boxing Hall of Fame

December 6, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Former middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin has become the first representative of Kazakhstan to be officially inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF). This milestone cements “GGG’s” legacy not only as one of the most dominant fighters of his era, but also as a Kazakhstani athlete who has left a lasting imprint on the history of global boxing.

Established in 1990, the IBHOF honors boxers, trainers, and promoters who have made significant contributions to the sport. It is located in Canastota, New York, with induction ceremonies traditionally held in summer.

Athletes become eligible for induction three years after their last professional bout (previously five years until 2018). Golovkin was nominated this year based on his final official fight in 2022. Although he has not formally announced his retirement, his absence from the ring made him eligible.

Hall of Fame inductees are selected by a panel of boxing journalists and historians from the U.S., Japan, the U.K., Canada, Argentina, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, and Mexico. Ballots including Golovkin’s name were distributed on October 1.

In the 2025 vote, Golovkin was nominated for the first time and successfully selected alongside American Vernon Forrest and Irishman Steve Collins. Former world champions Antonio Tarver (first nominated in 2024) and Nigel Benn (first nominated in 2017) will also be inducted.

The official ceremony will be held June 11-14, 2026, in Canastota. With this honor, Golovkin will join a prestigious group that includes Sugar Ray Robinson, Rocky Marciano, Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Julio César Chávez, Evander Holyfield, Bernard Hopkins, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and more. The Hall of Fame now features more than 300 inductees.

Golovkin’s dominance in the middleweight division was exceptional. From 2014 onward, he held the WBA, WBC, IBF, and IBO titles at 72.6 kg across various years. He set a division record with 23 consecutive knockouts over nine years, the longest knockout streak in middleweight history.

Over 90% of his professional wins came by knockout, earning recognition from the Guinness Book of Records as one of the highest KO ratios among champions. He also holds the middleweight record for most successful title defenses, with 22 victories over challengers.

Golovkin’s amateur record is equally remarkable. Before turning professional, he fought 350 bouts, winning 345, and served as the long-time captain of Kazakhstan’s national team.

Since retiring from active competition, Golovkin has taken on a prominent role in sports administration. In February 2024, he became head of Kazakhstan’s National Olympic Committee.

In November 2025, he was elected president of the World Boxing Federation, becoming the first Kazakhstani to lead a global sports organization. He also introduced a reform platform focused on transparency and modern management in amateur boxing.

Golovkin’s induction into the Hall of Fame marks the natural culmination of a career that helped shape modern boxing and inspire a generation of fans and athletes. For Kazakhstan, it is more than a personal milestone; it is a moment of national pride. Golovkin has become a sporting icon and a symbol of how individual excellence can elevate a nation’s presence on the global stage.

04 Dec 2025

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Information Sovereignty? Central Asia Tightens Control Over Its Information Space

December 4, 2025
By Andrei Matveev

Across the post-Soviet space, governments are adopting new measures that affect the scope of free expression. Similar trends are visible in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and parts of Eastern Europe, reflecting wider global shifts in how states manage their information environments. In Central Asia, where journalism has long faced political constraints, recent policies indicate a renewed emphasis on controlling the flow of information.

From Georgia to Kazakhstan: Pushback Against Foreign Narratives

Recent events in Georgia highlight these changes.

The adoption of a controversial “foreign agents” law, widely described as a Russian-style or “pro-Russian” measure, reflected the ruling party’s growing hostility to foreign-funded media and NGOs, many backed by European donors, and triggered mass pro-EU protests in Tbilisi. Similar dynamics are emerging in Central Asia, where officials increasingly view foreign narratives as interference in domestic affairs.

In Kazakhstan, legislative restrictions on so-called “LGBT propaganda” have sparked both domestic protests and criticism from international partners. At the same time, well-known media figure Gulnar Bazhkenova, editor-in-chief of Orda.kz, has been placed under house arrest, an episode that underscores the tightening environment for journalists.

The Bazhkenova Case: A Turning Point for Kazakh Media

Bazhkenova, a prominent editor known for critical coverage of Kazakhstan’s political elite and security services, came under scrutiny after Orda.kz falsely reported the arrest of Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, an unverified claim that was quickly debunked. Although Nurtleu remained in his position immediately afterward, he was dismissed later in September, prompting speculation that the incident had political consequences.

Soon after his departure, law enforcement launched an investigation into Bazhkenova. On December 1, Almaty police searched her residence and the offices of Orda.kz. Authorities stated that a 2024 article had disseminated false information regarding a law enforcement officer allegedly caught accepting a bribe, an incident that officials assert never occurred. Another article reportedly misrepresented details in a property dispute, allegedly damaging the business reputation of the involved party.

The Almaty police have since opened additional investigations into past publications from Orda.kz that may contain misleading content.

Media organizations have largely responded with condemnation, urging the authorities to decriminalize the dissemination of false information and instead treat such cases under civil law. However, the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan issued a pointed statement calling on media professionals to “treat the preparation and dissemination of information responsibly. Individual cases for the dissemination of inaccurate information cast a shadow on the entire journalistic community of our country,” the organization said. An implicit acknowledgment, perhaps, that Bazhkenova’s actions may have crossed legal or ethical boundaries.

Parallel Cases and Regional Patterns

While suppression of the media in Tajikistan and Turkmenistan has long been widespread, Kyrgyzstan – long considered the most politically open country in Central Asia – has also moved to tighten control over its information space. In early 2024, authorities introduced a controversial “foreign representatives” law requiring NGOs and media outlets receiving international funding to register under a special status, echoing legislation seen in Russia and Georgia. Independent outlets such as Kloop, Temirov Live, and Azattyk (RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz service) have faced lawsuits, blocked websites, or forced suspension of activities under charges ranging from extremism to spreading false information. Journalists and media advocates warn that these measures, combined with new restrictions on “false” online content, represent a significant rollback of Kyrgyzstan’s traditionally pluralistic media environment and signal the government’s growing interest in asserting information sovereignty.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have also recently come under scrutiny for what some view as selective crackdowns tied to geopolitical alignments. This autumn, both countries detained bloggers seen as sympathetic to Russia’s geopolitical narrative. In Kazakhstan, blogger Aslan Tolegenov, known online as “Northern_Kazakh”, was convicted in November for inciting interethnic hatred, receiving a sentence of three years and nine months. Tolegenov was known for videos expressing pro-Russian views on the war in Ukraine and presenting himself as defending Russian speakers against what he called “Russophobia” in Kazakhstan.

In Uzbekistan, blogger Aziz Khakimov, known as “Comrade_Aziz,” was first fined in August for spreading false information about a university rector. A month later, prosecutors added charges including incitement of interethnic hatred, defamation, and war propaganda. The investigation was initiated after journalist Nikita Makarenko accused Khakimov of slander in a video. If convicted, Khakimov faces up to 10 years in prison.

A Region Redrawing Its Media Boundaries

Russian media outlets supportive of the so-called “Russian World” ideology have decried these arrests as betrayals by supposed allies. Yet, the broader trend suggests that regional governments are increasingly prioritizing what they view as information sovereignty. Whether targeting liberal media outlets, pro-Russian influencers, or independent journalists, the common thread is a concerted effort to control narratives within their borders.

From Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan, these actions reflect a growing consensus among Central Asian elites: foreign narratives, whether from Russia, the West, or elsewhere, are increasingly seen not as pluralism but as threats to national unity.

04 Dec 2025

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Women Who Wear Niqab in Public in Kazakhstan to Risk Fines Under New Law

December 4, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

The Mazhilis, the lower house of the Kazakh parliament, has approved in its second reading a draft law “On the Prevention of Offenses,” which introduces fines for wearing a niqab, or other clothing that covers the face, preventing identification in public spaces.

The bill amends the Code of Administrative Offenses to include penalties for such violations. A first offense will result in a warning; a second offense will incur a fine of $78 under current rates, increasing to $86 from 2026.

A ban on face-covering garments, including both masks and niqabs, was first introduced in the summer of 2025. The new amendments formalize enforcement through administrative measures. Garments such as hijabs, sheilas, and khimars, which do not cover the face, remain permitted.

Similar measures have been adopted in other Central Asian countries, including Kyrgyzstan.

Beyond face coverings, the bill introduces liability for posting and distributing illegal content and for failing to comply with official instructions to remedy violations. It also expands the powers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, allowing it to hold officials from state and local executive bodies accountable for not implementing civil protection measures intended to prevent natural or man-made emergencies.

Debate over banning the niqab has persisted in Kazakhstan for years. Despite public resistance from some groups, authorities have finalized the decision, citing national security and efforts to counter extremism.

04 Dec 2025

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Revolut Blocks Top-Ups from Central Asian Bank Cards for EU-Based Users

December 4, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Russian citizens residing in the European Union have reported being unable to top up their Revolut accounts using bank cards issued in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. According to Oninvest, at least five individuals encountered the same issue, with Revolut rejecting the transfers and stating that the cards used are “no longer supported.”

Revolut’s customer support confirmed that as of December 1, the bank no longer processes top-ups from cards issued in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan for users living in EU member states. The restriction is not temporary; the bank said similar transactions will not be accepted going forward. Notably, none of the banks in question are subject to international sanctions.

Revolut attributed the change to internal policies and updated compliance requirements from international payment systems. These systems have reportedly classified Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan as high-risk jurisdictions for card-based top-up operations. The bank emphasized that the decision was mandated by its payment partners, not initiated by Revolut itself.

Users also reported that top-up attempts through mobile apps of Central Asian banks resulted in error messages. However, Revolut advised that alternative methods, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and international bank transfers, remain available.

Some customers based in France received a notification from Revolut stating that the platform will no longer accept card transfers from 52 countries. The list includes several countries where Russians relocated after 2022, such as Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Serbia, and the UAE, as well as popular travel destinations like Thailand and Vietnam.