Kazakhstan reports 14 completed utility projects amid 839 billion tenge modernization drive

September 18, 2026 at 05:39 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Kazakhstan has completed the first 14 projects under its national energy and utilities modernization program, with total investment of 27.3 billion tenge. Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev criticized poor tender documentation and warned that law enforcement may be involved if violations are found. The program includes 347 projects worth 839 billion tenge, but construction has not started on 67 projects across 30 enterprises.

Key Facts

The national program comprises 347 projects with a total budget of 839 billion tenge.
Construction and equipment procurement have begun on 77 projects worth 126 billion tenge.
The first 14 completed projects are located in seven regions, including Pavlodar Region with seven projects and West Kazakhstan Region with two.
Tender procedures for the completed projects yielded savings of approximately 975 million tenge.
Construction has not started on 67 projects across 30 enterprises, with lagging regions including Shymkent, Abai, Ulytau, Almaty, Atyrau, and Turkistan.

Program Scope and Progress

The National Project for Modernization of Energy and Utilities Sectors includes 347 projects with a total value of 839 billion tenge. Contractors have been selected for 220 projects, and construction or equipment procurement has started on 77 projects worth 126 billion tenge. Another 29 projects are still in the tender phase. The first 14 completed projects are located in seven regions: Pavlodar (7), West Kazakhstan (2), Astana, Karaganda, North Kazakhstan, Turkistan, and Shymkent. Total investment in these completed projects is 27.3 billion tenge, with tender savings of about 975 million tenge.

Complaints and Enforcement Warning

Since July, nearly 300 complaints have been filed regarding contractor selection tenders, of which 112 were upheld. Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev criticized customers for poorly prepared documents and warned that law enforcement agencies may be involved if violations are found. Bozumbayev stated he would personally address any unlawful actions in tender procedures with the involvement of law enforcement. Officials must develop proposals by October 1 on administrative liability for heads of monopoly utility enterprises when violations are detected.

Regional Delays and Next Steps

Construction has not started on 67 projects across 30 enterprises for various reasons. Regions with low implementation rates include Shymkent, Abai, Ulytau, Almaty, Atyrau, and Turkistan. The government has demanded acceleration of work and a separate problem analysis for each region. In Zhetisu Region, 24 contracts worth 31 billion tenge have been signed and work has begun. In Karaganda Region, contracts have been concluded for 15 projects worth 88.1 billion tenge.