Economist and financial consultant Arman Batayev has proposed introducing maternity capital in Kazakhstan for the birth of a second, third, and fourth child. In his view, these funds should be primarily directed toward purchasing or expanding housing, reports infohub.kz.
As an example, the expert cited Singapore, where a record drop in birth rates has prompted a large-scale family support program. According to data cited by Batayev, total direct assistance per child up to age 17 can reach 70,000 Singapore dollars (approximately 55,000 US dollars).
Moreover, support is not limited to cash payments: the state subsidizes kindergartens and childcare, extends parental leave, provides birth bonuses, and offers advantages in the allocation of public housing.
The reason for these measures is a sharp decline in fertility: Singapore's fertility rate has fallen to 0.87 children per woman, compared to the replacement level of about 2.1.
Batayev proposes a distinct principle for Kazakhstan's demographic policy: "Apartments for mothers, nurseries for children." His idea involves introducing maternity capital for the birth of a second, third, and fourth child, which families could use to buy housing or improve living conditions.
At the same time, the economist argues, it is necessary to develop an affordable nursery system so that having a child does not lead to women dropping out of education, professional activity, and the economy for years.
The situation in Kazakhstan is still significantly different from Singapore's: the fertility rate is about 2.57. However, Batayev points to the trend: after a peak in 2021, when about 446,000 children were born, the birth rate began to decline, and in 2025 it was about 335,000.
Therefore, the expert believes, long-term demographic policy should be shaped in advance, rather than waiting until the fertility rate drops below 1.5 or even 1.
At the same time, Singapore's example demonstrates the limitations of direct financial incentives: even large payments do not guarantee increased birth rates. Among the reasons young people cite for not having children are the high cost of living and housing, competition, heavy workloads, and pressure from the education system.
Therefore, maternity capital in Kazakhstan, according to Batayev, should not become just another cash payment. A comprehensive approach is needed, including housing, affordable nurseries and education, the ability to combine child-rearing with a career, and financial security for women.
According to the economist's estimate, such a program could not only support birth rates but also stimulate housing construction and domestic demand. In the long term, it could also increase the labor supply and help families build real assets.