Kazakhstan's AI revolution transforms social services by 2026

Kazakhstan's AI revolution transforms social services by 2026

Erica Berry
Erica Berry•
• 3 Min.
Colorful design with the words "AI, Apps, IoT" on a white background.

Kazakhstan's AI revolution transforms social services by 2026

Labor Ministry Shifts to More Convenient, Client-Centered Service Model

The evidence speaks for itself: Kazakhstan's Ministry of Labor and Social Protection is moving toward a more accessible, citizen-focused approach to public services. As of today, 45 out of 49 services are available in digital format. By March 1, 2026, the ministry had provided 1.4 million services, with 41%—564,600—delivered electronically.

Bakhtiyar Zhasylkapayev, the deputy minister of labor and social protection, shared further details on the sector's digital transformation during a press conference at the Media Center of the Government (SCC).

"This year, we have set an ambitious goal: to integrate artificial intelligence across all government services," the official announced. "This will enable a fully proactive and intelligent service model."

According to the ministry, AI has been used since 2025 to streamline targeted social assistance, jobseeker and unemployment registration, and disability assessments. In 2026, plans include expanding AI applications to pension payments, state benefits, and the assignment of kandas status (a designation for low-income families). The deputy minister emphasized that while AI-generated recommendations enhance decision-making, final determinations remain under human oversight to ensure quality and fairness.

Turning to targeted social assistance (TSA), Zhasylkapayev noted that local commission workflows were automated last year through a new mobile app. AI tools now also analyze household conditions via photos to assess need more accurately.

"We've received feedback from local commission specialists," he said. "The data shows a decline in TSA recipients—from 114,000 families in 2023 to around 30,000 in 2026—thanks to more precise need-based assessments and the elimination of unjustified allocations."

Since late last year, an AI model has also been processing medical records to generate recommendations for medical-social expert panels, reviewing over 24,000 applications to date. Future plans include integration with the Health Ministry's systems for more reliable data.

Digital tools are now empowering local leaders as well. The "Digital Workspace for Akims" (local administrators) platform, designed to improve decision-making at the grassroots level, now covers all 17 regions and 1,786 rural districts. With over 30 integrations with state information systems, the tool gives rural akims real-time insights into their communities, helping them tailor employment support for residents facing hardship.

Bakhtiyar Zhazylkapayev also discussed the "Digital Employment Service" project, designed to provide citizens with personalized support throughout their journey to stable employment using data and AI technologies. The digital platform analyzes educational background and sends graduates notifications offering job placement assistance or upskilling opportunities. Job seekers specify their desired position and salary, after which the system automatically matches them with suitable vacancies. A similar approach will be applied to those who have lost their jobs.