Modernizing Public Services in Kazakhstan: A New Era
Kazakhstan Pledges to Bolster Digital Government with AI, Reinforce Cybersecurity Defenses
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has set the pace for a digital revolution in Kazakhstan, outlining ambitious plans to streamline public services, boost banking sector collaboration, and fortify data security. Let's take a closer look at the key initiatives.
Bektenov accentuated the pivotal role of public services in fostering a fruitful dialogue between the government and its people. He noted that substantial improvements have been made in digitizing services since 2020, catapulting Kazakhstan into the global top 10 for digital service delivery [1].
Proactive Service Delivery
Emphasizing the importance of anticipating citizen needs, the prime minister highlighted innovative approaches like the automatic issuance of an Individual Identification Number (IIN) at birth and the rapid distribution of birth certificates and benefits via SMS [1].
Banking Sector Collaboration
Bektenov underscored the expanding partnership with the banking sector and instructed the improvement of server infrastructure to Ensure high-speed internet access nationwide for unhindered online service coverage [1].
Data Security
Acknowledging the paramount importance of safeguarding personal data, Bektenov ordered government agencies to integrate information systems with the individual data access control service by year-end. He also mandated stricter penalties for data breaches [1].
Modernizing e-Government Portal
The prime minister envisioned the transformation of the e-government portal with artificial intelligence (AI) features before the end of the year [1].
Beyond these initiatives, the country is dedicated to securing funding for public services in rural post offices, ensuring internet access in remote areas, and transitioning the most frequently used services from Public Service Centers to digital platforms [1].
In the broader context, Kazakhstan is striving for a comprehensive digital transformation, encompassing sectors like banking, data security, and AI integration [2]. The country is positioning itself as a regional leader in digital public goods with support from organizations like UNICEF and the EDB Fund for Digital Initiatives [3].
Kazakh prime minister Olzhas Bektenov has emphasized the importance of simplifying the process of obtaining essential documents such as the Individual Identification Number (IIN) and birth certificates by automating their issuance and distribution via SMS. This approach is part of his vision to modernize public services, making them more accessible and efficient.
In the realm of cybersecurity, Bektenov has ordered government agencies to integrate their information systems with the individual data access control service by the end of the year, to further strengthen data security and protect personal information.
Moreover, the prime minister envisions the future of public services in Kazakhstan as a Technologically advanced system, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) features into the e-government portal before the end of the year. This digital transformation aims to improve not just public service delivery, but also foster partnerships with the banking sector, ensure high-speed internet access in remote areas, and fortify data security.
