Kazakhstan's bold digital reforms reshape public services and fight corruption

Kazakhstan has taken major steps to modernise its public administration through digital reforms and anti-corruption measures. The Civic Council under the Anti-Corruption Agency recently held its first meeting in Astana, marking a push for greater transparency and efficiency. New initiatives, including the upgraded E-Qyzmet system and a remote monitoring service, aim to streamline government operations and improve citizen engagement. The Civic Council, now featuring parliament members, legal experts, scholars, and media representatives, adopted key decisions during its inaugural session. Its role includes advisory, consultative, and oversight functions to strengthen public service standards.

Darkhan Zhyzykbayev, head of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs and Anti-Corruption (ADGSA), highlighted the **'Listening State'** concept. He stressed the need to integrate public feedback into policy-making and outlined ongoing projects, such as the **E-Qyzmet** system's expansion. This digital platform now offers over 1,000 online services, cutting processing times from weeks to days and achieving a 90% satisfaction rate in 2023. Recent upgrades to **E-Qyzmet** include full digitisation of civil service recruitment, alongside AI chatbots for 24/7 support and blockchain-based identity verification. Parliament is also reviewing draft laws on civil service reforms and corruption prevention. Additionally, a new remote monitoring system will track service quality and protect citizens' rights. A direct appointment scheme has been introduced for top graduates of state-funded programmes, allowing them to fill district and rural roles without competitive selection. The ADGSA will work with the Civic Council to further refine these measures and combat corruption.

The reforms signal a shift toward a more responsive and tech-driven government in Kazakhstan. With faster service delivery, stricter oversight, and greater public involvement, the changes aim to build trust in state institutions. The next phase includes implementing the new laws and expanding digital tools across all administrative levels.