Kazakhstan: Tokayev Raises Minimum Wage to 110,000 Tenge, Earmarks 6.5 Trillion Tenge

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in his annual address to the nation that the minimum wage will rise from 1 January from 85,000 tenge to 110,000 tenge. He estimated that the increase will raise incomes for 1.8 million citizens.

Tokayev also announced that about 6.5 trillion tenge will be withdrawn from the National Fund for infrastructure and social projects under the 'Halyqtyq Qurylys' initiative. It envisions about 70 healthcare facilities, 50 education and sports facilities, as well as roads and energy projects. Priorities include artificial intelligence, transport infrastructure and expanding energy capacity.

Kazakhstan should reach an energy surplus by 2029 and create a state strategic uranium reserve, the president said. He also proposed a three-year moratorium on inspections of micro and small businesses starting 1 January 2027, noting that fines rose 11% while violations fell 34%. Separately, the Ministry of Labour revised its method for assessing family welfare, taking mortgages and loan burdens into account.