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At the first Cabinet meeting of 2026 on 6 January, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov ordered a full shift to online utility meter readings and called for faster adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and robotics across key sectors—a push aimed at reducing errors, improving billing accuracy and making services more convenient for citizens.

This was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.

From phone calls to full automation

Bektenov criticized the continued practice of submitting electricity, water and gas meter readings by phone, saying the approach inconveniences households and leaves too much room for human error. He directed responsible agencies and service providers to automate data collection and integrate billing into unified digital channels.

The prime minister stressed that artificial intelligence and digital tools should be embedded in everyday services and the wider economy, not remain isolated pilots. The goal, he said, is straightforward: fewer mistakes, transparent payments and better customer experience.

BIM and robotization lag behind

In construction, Bektenov noted that BIM—digital 3D models that help manage costs, materials and timelines from design to operation—remains underused in Kazakhstan. The lack of BIM, he argued, limits efficient project planning and execution.

He also pointed to slow progress in robotization in manufacturing and the cautious rollout of advanced IT solutions in agriculture. Accelerating both, he said, is essential to boost productivity and competitiveness.

Measurable results over pilots

Bektenov tasked ministries and regulators with delivering practical digital solutions that directly improve payment accuracy, service quality and labor productivity. The emphasis is on measurable outcomes: cost reductions, higher output and simpler public-facing services.

The directives were issued on 6 January 2026 during the government’s first meeting of the year, underscoring a shift from strategy to execution on Kazakhstan’s digital agenda.