Tokayev appoints Arman Kyrykbayev as Kazakhstan's culture minister

September 3, 2026 at 01:02 PM2 min

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev appointed Arman Kyrykbayev as minister of culture and information on September 3, 2026. Kyrykbayev, previously a presidential aide, replaces Aida Balayeva, who became deputy chairman of the Security Council on August 31.

Key Facts

Arman Kyrykbayev was appointed minister of culture and information of Kazakhstan by presidential decree on September 3, 2026.
Kyrykbayev previously served as assistant to the president for domestic policy and communications since February 2025.
Aida Balayeva, who headed the ministry since September 2023, became deputy chairman of the Security Council on August 31, 2026.
Kyrykbayev's candidacy was approved by the committee for socio-cultural development of the Kurultai of Kazakhstan.

Appointment Decree

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree appointing Arman Orazbayevich Kyrykbayev as minister of culture and information of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Kyrykbayev was simultaneously relieved of his previous position as assistant to the president for domestic policy and communications. The appointment was announced by the presidential press service, Akorda, on September 3, 2026.

Kyrykbayev's Background

Kyrykbayev was born in 1976 in Astana and graduated from the Kazakh State Academy of Management (Narxoz University) with a degree in economics. He also holds a degree in international relations from the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. His career includes positions in the ministries of foreign affairs and culture, as well as deputy akim of Karaganda region and Almaty. Since March 2024, he headed the communications department of the Presidential Administration, and from February 2025 served as assistant to the head of state.

Predecessor's Transition

Aida Balayeva had led the Ministry of Culture and Information since September 2023. On August 31, 2026, Balayeva was appointed deputy chairman of the Security Council of Kazakhstan. Kyrykbayev's candidacy was approved by the committee for socio-cultural development of the Kurultai of Kazakhstan prior to the appointment.