Tokayev and Lee Kai-Fu discuss AI rollout in 500 Kazakh schools
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Sinovation Ventures and 01.ai CEO Lee Kai-Fu on October 2, 2026. Lee presented a project to introduce artificial intelligence in under-enrolled schools, starting with 10 pilot schools in September 2026 and expanding to 500 by April 2027. Tokayev stressed the need for equal access to AI in urban and rural areas.
Key Facts
- The AI pilot project will start in 10 schools in September 2026.
- The project will expand to 60 schools in January 2027 and to 500 schools in April 2027.
- Lee Kai-Fu is CEO of Sinovation Ventures and 01.ai.
- Tokayev said the government has begun implementing the AI project in secondary education based on Lee's recommendations.
- Tokayev highlighted AI's potential as a tool for entrepreneurship development.
AI in Under-Enrolled Schools
Lee Kai-Fu presented key parameters of the project to introduce artificial intelligence in under-enrolled schools. The pilot will begin in September 2026 in 10 schools. In January 2027, the project is planned to expand to 60 schools. By April 2027, the rollout is expected to reach 500 schools.
Government Implementation and Equity
Tokayev said the government has started implementing the AI project in secondary education, drawing on Lee Kai-Fu's recommendations and international experience. He stressed the importance of consistent scaling and practical impact on education quality. The meeting noted that AI opportunities should be equally accessible in cities and rural areas. Tokayev also pointed to AI's prospects as a tool for entrepreneurship development.