Tokayev replaces Kazakhstan's ground forces commander
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Mereke Kuchekbayev as commander-in-chief of the Ground Forces and appointed Kuanyshbek Ushtayev to the post. The change was announced by the presidential press service on September 21, 2026.
Key Facts
- Kuanyshbek Ushtayev was appointed commander-in-chief of Kazakhstan's Ground Forces by presidential order.
- Mereke Kuchekbayev had held the post since November 2024.
- Ushtayev previously commanded the 'South' regional command from November 2023 to November 2024.
- Ushtayev graduated from the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces in 2018.
Command Change
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed orders relieving Mereke Kuchekbayev and appointing Kuanyshbek Ushtayev as commander-in-chief of the Ground Forces. The presidential press service announced the personnel change on September 21, 2026. Kuchekbayev had led the Ground Forces since November 2024.
Ushtayev's Career
Ushtayev was born on October 5, 1976, and graduated from the Almaty Higher Military School in 1997. He completed the National Defense University in 2009 and the Russian General Staff Academy in 2018. He previously commanded the 'East' regional command and then the 'South' regional command from November 2023 to November 2024.
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