Official data show the region’s net migration and natural decrease cut the population to about 522,000 in Jan–Nov 2025, with rural areas accounting for nearly all the loss.
At the first Cabinet meeting of 2026, PM Olzhas Bektenov told agencies to move utility metering fully online and speed up BIM and robotization to cut errors and raise productivity.
From 2026, citizens will reissue passports via eGov Mobile and the eGov portal, while first-time applications stay offline as officials balance security with faster service.
Economist Arman Beysembayev says lifting the moratorium on A-92 and diesel in March could fuel inflation and raise utility costs, with some sector prices rising up to 40%.
From January 11, 2026, personal accounts cannot be used for professional income as NBK introduces clearer rules, extra approvals for some accounts, and escrow-only transfers for grant projects.
Kazakh drivers will soon select and pay for vanity and mirror license plates in the eGov app, with a fixed 10 MCI fee and broader custom combinations available from 1 Jan 2026.
At 17, Nurlanuly’s rise to No.12 locks in a No.10 seed and main-draw berth for the Australian Open juniors in Sydney (Jan 24–Feb 1), signaling real title-contender potential.
Kazakhstan will transform public service centers into self-service digital offices, moving the 10 most-used services fully online to cut queues and speed up access to state services.
Tokayev says a 16% VAT under the 2026 Tax Code aims to balance budget stability with fairer burdens on business and citizens while supporting steady economic growth.
A now-removed Threads post revived year-old personal claims about the TV host and 'Kyzym' singer, sparking debate on January 6, 2026 as those named have not responded.
City planners outlined Red, Blue and Green Line projects, including a 14 km airport link and a 29.2 km Red Line build-out, with feasibility complete and public review concluded.
Kazakh PM Olzhas Bektenov told ministers to cut presentations and deliver measurable outcomes, aligning with President Tokayev’s priorities on tax, tourism, and road safety.
Analysts say a potential rise in Venezuelan supply could drag Brent toward $50–40, squeezing Kazakhstan’s export revenues and weighing on the tenge over the longer term.
The teen’s safe recovery after a weeklong search highlights how fast alerts and community help aid outcomes, as juvenile police place the family under preventive oversight.
From Iran to Greenland, Washington’s sharper tone after Maduro’s detention raises geopolitical and energy-market risks as U.S. warnings draw quick pushback from regional leaders.
A Jan. 5 order paused imports and sales of several black teas after tests found illegal colorants and labeling violations; authorities urge consumers to check packaging.
Missing since December 30, the 14-year-old was located on January 5 after coordinated efforts by Almaty police, relatives and the Qogham volunteer group.
Morning travel in Akmola region is disrupted as authorities close icy stretches of the Astana–Kokshetau route, with phased reopenings targeted for 9:00 and 10:00.
The Kazakh singer marked the new year in Mecca, sharing Kaaba photos with her family that quickly drew thousands of likes and a playful “Qara bala is missing” remark from fans.
A Jan 5 Instagram post featuring singer Saken Maigaziyev drew fast debate in Kazakhstan, underscoring how unverified claims spread while those mentioned remain silent.
After a State Department post drew attention, Marco Rubio said the Venezuela move that detained Nicolás Maduro was a law‑enforcement operation against drug trafficking, not an act of war.
Analysts say nationwide AI will only scale after 2026 upgrades—IPv6, true 5G and cleaner data—unlocking gains across public services, finance, industry and healthcare.
The move consolidates the Kadyrov family’s influence as Akhmat, 20, becomes Chechnya’s deputy PM on 6 January while keeping the sports ministry; Ahmed Dudaev is named acting deputy PM.
Emergency crews in Almaty Region put out a cottage fire in Talgar district on 6 January 2026, with no casualties reported as investigators examine the cause.