Major changes await Kazakhstan: Tokayev's ten key statements
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented his annual Address to the people of the country on October 28. He announced that starting January 1, 2027, the minimum wage will be raised from 85 thousand tenge ($187) to 110 thousand tenge ($240), and that large-scale construction of infrastructure and social facilities will take place.
Big changes await Kazakhstan: Tokayev's ten main statements
During the speech, Tokayev also touched upon the issues of inflation, social assistance, the tax system, road quality, and public administration reform.
**2027 declared the year of large-scale construction**
Tokayev declared 2027 the Year of Large-Scale Nationwide Construction. According to him, the country's main focus should be on infrastructure development and creating conditions to improve the population's quality of life. Plans include building roads in regions, upgrading railway stations and airports, and constructing hospitals, sports complexes, libraries, and creative houses. Furthermore, work on housing construction, gasification of settlements, and providing citizens with clean drinking water will continue.
**6.5 trillion tenge ($14.3 billion) from the National Fund to be directed toward renewing the country**
By the end of 2029, it is planned to allocate 6.5 trillion tenge ($14.3 billion) from the National Fund of Kazakhstan. According to the President, these funds should be spent not only on accumulating financial reserves, but also on infrastructure development and raising the standard of living of citizens. The initial 1.5 trillion tenge ($3.3 billion) is intended to be directed to social projects at the beginning of 2027. Tokayev emphasized that investments should serve to build modern infrastructure, develop the economy, and create conditions for citizens to realize their potential.
**Kazakhstan's gross domestic product will approach 400 billion dollars**
According to forecasts, in 2026, Kazakhstan's gross domestic product will approach 400 billion dollars, while GDP per capita will exceed 19 thousand dollars. Additionally, the country aims to rank 47th in the world in terms of economy size. According to data cited by the President, the country's total financial reserves amount to 130 billion dollars. Tokayev announced the need to direct available resources to infrastructure modernization, building schools and hospitals, and regional development.
**Minimum wage to be increased to 110 thousand tenge**
Starting January 1, 2027, the minimum wage in Kazakhstan will rise from 85 thousand tenge ($187) to 110 thousand tenge ($240). According to information announced as part of this initiative, the change will affect nearly 1.8 million citizens. In particular, the incomes of more than 370 thousand public sector employees are expected to increase. The change in the minimum wage may also affect certain social payments, pension contributions, and allocations to state funds.