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Kazakhstan has declared 2026 a year dedicated to digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI). However، pressing real-world problems، from devastating floods to controversial government projects، remain unresolved، prompting experts to question the effectiveness of these technological advancements.

While AI offers capabilities that can surpass human potential، specialists caution that it cannot replace effective governance. Without transparency، there's a risk that AI could simply become another tool for budget mismanagement.

Digitalization: Promises vs. Reality

Although Kazakhstan's government began exploring AI applications over two years ago، the broader process of digitizing public administration started much earlier. Despite ongoing efforts to inform and optimize state management، citizens remain dissatisfied with the quality of these digital services. This sentiment is shared not only by the general public but also by prominent experts.

Politician Daniyar Ashimbayev points out the significant energy demands of data centers، necessitating further development in the energy sector. He also notes the integration of AI into education، alongside the proliferation of low-quality textbooks and the booming digitalization business. "No artificial intelligence can compensate for a person's natural intellectual shortcomings،" Ashimbayev stated.

Urban Challenges and the 'Smart City' Paradox

Complaints about the inefficiency of officials and illogical decision-making are frequent on social media. A stark example is the flooding of roads and sidewalks in Almaty after rainfall. This situation is particularly concerning given that Almaty has been promoted as a 'smart city' since 2016، with claims of efficient resource utilization.

Expert Perspectives

Alim Khamitov، an expert in computer technologies and managing partner at Most Ventures venture fund، acknowledges the public's skepticism. He believes that discussions about AI become relevant only when people's lives demonstrably improve. "Digitalization can simplify certain services، reduce queues، and speed up processes. But it does not replace the management of a city or a country. Furthermore، artificial intelligence does not solve ecological or urban planning problems. Therefore، it is crucial not to confuse the tool with concrete changes،" he explained.

Environmental and Financial Implications

The development of AI and its supporting infrastructure has environmental consequences. Data centers consume vast amounts of energy and water، contributing to electronic waste. This poses a significant challenge for countries like Kazakhstan، which already face water and energy shortages. Khamitov suggests that Kazakhstan should adopt AI only where its economic or social benefits are clearly proven.

Shauket Sabirov، head of the Internet Association of Kazakhstan، recognizes the substantial financial and natural resources required for AI development. However، he believes this is not a direct concern for Kazakhstan، as the primary development of AI is driven by countries like the USA and China. Kazakhstan، he asserts، primarily utilizes ready-made technologies.

Hope for the Future

Despite these concerns، experts remain optimistic about the potential of digitalization and AI. For instance، 90% of public services in Kazakhstan are now available online، saving time for citizens and businesses. AI is also enhancing treatment effectiveness in stroke centers within the healthcare sector.

"Technology is beneficial if it saves citizens' time، reduces process costs، improves diagnostics، decreases corruption، and delivers transparent، measurable results. But if 'AI' is used as a pretext to sell expensive hype without improving governance quality، public skepticism is justified،" concluded Alim Khamitov.

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