Tokayev dismisses Atyrau region governor Serik Shapkenov
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Serik Shapkenov as governor of the Atyrau region, the Akorda press service announced on July 17. Shapkenov had led the key oil-producing region since April 2022. A successor has not yet been named.
The Dismissal
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on July 17 dismissing Serik Shapkenov as governor of the Atyrau region, according to the Akorda press service. Shapkenov had held the post since April 2022, when he was first appointed, and was reappointed in December of the same year. No reason for the dismissal was provided in the official statement.
Shapkenov's Career
Serik Shapkenov, born in 1979 in the West Kazakhstan region, graduated from the West Kazakhstan State University as an economist-mathematician. He began his career as a teacher before moving into civil service. He served as governor of Atyrau city in 2016, vice minister of labor and social protection in 2020, and minister of labor and social protection from 2021 until his appointment as regional governor in 2022.
Succession Process
A meeting of the Atyrau regional maslikhat is scheduled for July 17 to consider a candidate for the vacant governor position, according to Orda.kz. Similar meetings are also planned for the Ulytau region, currently led by Dastan Ryspekov, indicating broader personnel changes. The name of Shapkenov's successor has not been officially announced.
Successor Appointments
Bolat Akhsholakov has been appointed as the new governor of the Atyrau region, replacing Serik Shapkenov. Dastan Ryspekov has been dismissed as governor of the Ulytau region, with a successor to be announced.
What's Next
The Atyrau regional maslikhat is set to meet on July 17 to select a new governor. It remains unclear whether the successor will be chosen from within the region or appointed from outside, and whether further reshuffles in other regions will follow.
12 sources
Tokayev dismisses Atyrau region governor Serik Shapkenov
