The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan has endorsed a forward-looking concept to elevate the Kazakh language as the primary medium for public service by 2029. This plan signals a major shift in how language is used in government workflows and customer interactions, with a clear emphasis on Kazakh proficiency among certain political officials. The announcement was reported by TASS, which cited the decision of the country’s Council of Ministers as the basis for the policy move.
As the concept unfolds, specific requirements will be devised that compel designated political officials to use Kazakh in their official duties. Concurrently, Kazakh will be established as the main working language across the public service sector, streamlining communication and ensuring consistency in governmental procedures and citizen-facing processes.
The document frames the policy as a proactive step to raise the priority and prestige of the Kazakh language across all segments of society. It envisions not only administrative usage but also a cultural reaffirmation of linguistic heritage, with broader implications for education, media, and public life.
According to the concept, the portion of the population fluent in Kazakh is expected to reach about 84 percent by 2029, a rise from approximately 81 percent recorded in 2023. The projections are presented as benchmarks for policy success and indicators of national language adoption, with regular reviews to track progress and refine measures as needed.
Acknowledging the current landscape, the document notes that a substantial share of public relations in Kazakhstan has traditionally been conducted in Russian. The policy seeks to balance multilingual realities with a clear priority for Kazakh, promoting broader linguistic competence while maintaining practical channels for international communication where necessary.
Earlier statements from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the departure of the Consul General of the Russian Federation, Evgeny Bobrov, following discussions about the reduced use of Russian in Kazakh schools. The transition reflects ongoing adjustments in diplomatic and educational spheres as the country implements its language strategy.
In a related development, Kazakhstan has taken steps to align broadcasting access with its language policy. The government previously moved to restrict certain Russian-language television channels, signaling a preference for Kazakh-language media and promoting domestic content that aligns with national language goals. This shift is viewed as part of a broader push to strengthen linguistic identity and media sovereignty within the republic.