Tokayev orders urgent domestic production of children's hearing aids

September 19, 2026 at 03:34 PM2 min

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

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the government to urgently establish domestic production of hearing aids for hearing-impaired children. The directive was announced during his speech to participants of the Taza Kazakhstan environmental campaign in Astana on September 19. The previous parliament had adopted a legislative amendment providing free hearing aids for such children, but the devices are currently manufactured abroad.

Key Facts

President Tokayev ordered the government to urgently establish domestic production of hearing aids for hearing-impaired children.
The previous parliament adopted a legislative amendment providing free hearing aids for hearing-impaired children.
Hearing aids are currently manufactured abroad.
Tokayev also instructed the government, together with the Kurultai and the public, to ensure targeted provision of social assistance and benefits.
All schoolchildren in grades 1–4 receive free hot meals regardless of family income, and school breakfasts and lunches must provide 40% of a child's daily calorie needs.

Hearing Aid Production Directive

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the directive during his speech to participants of the Taza Kazakhstan environmental campaign in Astana on September 19. He recalled that the previous parliament had adopted a legislative amendment on free provision of hearing aids for hearing-impaired children. Tokayev stated that these devices are currently produced abroad and that the government must urgently establish their production in Kazakhstan.

Social Support Measures

Tokayev mentioned the Kazakhstan Khalkyna fund, which he said provides significant assistance, especially to sick children. He noted that all schoolchildren in grades 1–4 receive free hot meals regardless of family income. According to the president, school breakfasts and lunches must provide 40% of a child's daily calorie needs. Sausages, fast food, and carbonated drinks have been excluded from school menus, and the amount of sugar and salt has been reduced.

Targeted Social Assistance

Tokayev instructed the government, together with the Kurultai and the active public, to work on ensuring targeted provision of social assistance and benefits. He emphasized that the state must provide assistance to citizens who truly need it, calling this highly fair. Tokayev expressed hope that the party of the same name would also join this work.