politico.kz
Kyzylorda Region's Leadership: A Legacy of Public Service in the Governor's Team
The Kyzylorda region is currently under a spotlight, having recently hosted the National Kurultai with presidential attendance. This area, known for its complexities, has seen its dynamic development and stable condition highlighted by the Head of State, who also commended the proactive and effective work of the local leadership.
Behind the impressive statistics – a population exceeding 845,000 and a gross regional product reaching 3.1 trillion tenge – stands the figure of the regional governor, Nurlybek Nalibayev. However, as any seasoned politician knows, a leader is only as strong as their team. Such a large-scale system cannot be managed by one person alone, making the roles of deputies and the administrative staff crucial.
A Pattern of Public Service Lineage
A detailed examination of these key figures has uncovered a fascinating trend: a significant number of them appear to have an innate inclination towards public service, possibly influenced by their family backgrounds. Investigations into the backgrounds of the governor's aides revealed that many of their fathers also served in government positions.
Following in Their Fathers' Footsteps
Consider the case of Deputy Governor Kairat Nurtayev. Since March 2022, he has not only been instrumental in managing the region but also serves as the President's Special Representative for the Baikonur complex. With degrees in engineering-mechanics and law, and having graduated from the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Nurtayev is a modern official. Before his current appointment, he led the Karmakshy district and previously held the position of First Deputy Akim (Governor) of Shymkent city.
Intriguingly, his father, Rzakul Nurtayev, followed a remarkably similar career path. He too rose from an engineering background to become the First Deputy Akim of a region. Furthermore, Rzakul Nurtayev also led the Karmakshy district and, notably, served as the President's Special Representative for the Baikonur complex. This suggests a clear pattern of the son mirroring his father's career trajectory, step by step, in similar roles.
From Technical Expertise to Diplomacy
Another deputy, Ardaq Zebeshev, oversees new strategic directions within the Akimat. A graduate of the "Bolashak" program, he studied at the Royal College of London and a business school in England. Before arriving in the region in February 2024, he built his career in Astana, heading the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and working within "Samruk-Kazyna" structures.
His father, Temirkhan Zebeshev, was a prominent figure in the technical intelligentsia and science circles around 2016. He led a department at the "Kazakhstan Engineering" center, focusing on the development of industrial innovations. This presents a classic example of a successful diplomatic career built upon a foundation of technical expertise.
Social Sector Stalwarts
Since July 2025, Meiramgali Shermaganbet has served as a deputy governor. He began his career as a history teacher in a rural school in the Zhanaarkorgansky district, eventually rising to head of the district administration and then chief of the regional education department. His father, Zynabdin Shermaganbetov, experienced a very similar path. He also started as a teacher in a village school, became a school principal, then head of the district education department, and ultimately, the First Deputy Akim of the very same Zhanaarkorgansky district. Both dedicated their lives to the social sector, with Zynabdin being awarded the "Kurmet" Order.
The Akimat's Inner Circle
Turning to the Akimat's administrative apparatus, the situation is equally noteworthy.
Since August 2024, Adilhan Mukhamediyarov has served as the Head of the Administration. Prior to this, he spent seven years in the Presidential Press Service, progressing from expert to head of a sector. While he was managing the information agenda in the capital, his father, Mereke Mukhamediyarov, built his career in the northern part of the country. Currently, he is the Akim of the Esil district in the North Kazakhstan region, having previously led the city of Sergeev and held leadership positions in Petropavlovsk.
Yerlan Bakirov serves as the Deputy Head of Administration. A lawyer and economist, he worked in anti-corruption services before transitioning to the Akimat structure. His father, Amirhan Bakiruly, is a well-known and multifaceted figure in the region. He previously served in the prosecutor's office and as a retired colonel in the National Security Committee (KNB). In the early 2000s, he headed a department in the regional Akimat and chaired the disciplinary council. Additionally, he is recognized as a writer and a researcher of the history of Mustafa Shokay. His father's experience in law enforcement and public administration undoubtedly provided a valuable foundation for his son's career.
The youngest leader within this team is Dinmukhamed Ermekov, who became a deputy head of administration in the spring of 2025. Though only in his early thirties, he has already served as an expert in several ministries, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Presidential Administration. His father, Zhandarbek Dalabayev, is an influential figure in regional policy in the Almaty region. Starting his career as a shepherd's assistant, he rose to the position of Akim of the Zhambyl district, headed the education department, and served as Akim of the Karasai district from 2018 to 2022.
A Dynasty of Governance?
Examining these biographies, it becomes difficult to ignore the impression that Nurlybek Nalibayev's team has been assembled based on a distinct principle: behind every key leader stands a father with extensive experience in public service. These fathers are often former governors, law enforcement officials, or seasoned veterans of their respective fields.
Interestingly, the regional head himself, Nurlybek Nalibayev, fits this pattern well. It is worth remembering that his family also has close ties to public service. His elder brother, Berdibek Saparbayev, is a prominent figure in Kazakhstani politics, known and respected across the country.
Whether this is a coincidence or a deliberate strategy is for the reader to decide. However, the fact remains that in the Kyzylorda region, a ruling class appears to be forming, where experience and positions are passed down through generations, either as a legacy or through very strong family traditions.
It is anticipated that many more such parallels can be found within this region, which will be explored in future materials.
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