A draft law aimed at making Kazakhstan’s anti-corruption system more effective is currently under consideration in the Mazhilis. One of the key initiatives is the criminalization of the promise or offer of a bribe.
Corruption is not just about high-profile investigations and dismissals of senior officials. In reality, it invisibly permeates everyday life, encouraging “gray” schemes and abuses at various levels.
Kazakhstan has been actively combating this issue since the early years of its independence. In 1998, it was one of the first post-Soviet countries to adopt a special Law “On Combating Corruption”. This fundamental document defined corruption, identified subjects of corruption-related offenses, and established principles and measures to combat corruption.
In 2015, the new Law “On Combating Corruption” was adopted, becoming the primary regulatory act guiding Kazakhstan’s anti-corruption policy. This updated legislation incorporated modern realities and international standards.
Strict Responsibility for Corruption
Kazakhstan’s anti-corruption legislation imposes severe penalties on corrupt individuals. The sanctions for corruption-related crimes are among the strictest, comparable to those for crimes against life. Those convicted of corruption crimes are permanently banned from holding public service positions or working in the quasi-public sector. They cannot receive suspended sentences, and parole is not granted for serious and particularly serious corruption offenses—meaning that such individuals must serve their full sentences.
Notably, even those convicted of murder under aggravating circumstances may be eligible for parole, whereas corrupt officials are not. Additionally, corrupt individuals cannot be exempt from criminal liability through reconciliation, and the statute of limitations for corruption crimes is extended.
Legal practice demonstrates that corruption charges affect not only rank-and-file employees but also high-ranking officials—including ministers, regional akims, and heads of national companies. This reflects not only the scale of the problem but also the state’s uncompromising stance on addressing it.
New Anti-Corruption Initiatives
Parliament is currently discussing new amendments aimed at closing the remaining legal loopholes that enable corruption.
One of the key proposals is to criminalize the promise or offer of a bribe. This means that merely agreeing on a bribe would be considered a completed crime, even if no money or services are exchanged. This provision aligns with the UN Convention against Corruption, which Kazakhstan ratified in 2008.
Anti-corruption authorities believe this measure will help prevent corruption before a government official begins providing “services” in exchange for a bribe. International experience shows that while court cases based on this provision may be rare, the very existence of such a law disciplines society, creating a culture where even discussing bribes is unacceptable.
Another important innovation is the creation of a public registry of corrupt officials. This open database would contain information about individuals convicted of serious and particularly serious corruption crimes. Names could only be removed after a criminal record is fully expunged or cleared.
Beyond Legislation: The Need for Systemic Reforms
However, it is crucial to understand that laws alone cannot solve the problem. Corruption thrives in environments that enable it—such as a shadow economy, lack of transparency in the judicial system and public administration, and weak public oversight and civil society institutions.
Thus, in addition to legislative measures, comprehensive governance and socio-economic reforms are necessary. This includes:
Public administration reforms – Transparent budgets, decentralization, and reduced bureaucracy limit opportunities for corruption.
Judicial and law enforcement independence – Ensuring that “telephone justice” and nepotism do not prevent corrupt officials from being punished.
Public awareness efforts – Promoting a culture of zero tolerance for bribes, where giving a bribe is as shameful as accepting one.
Experts emphasize that quick and harsh measures, such as reinstating the death penalty, do not produce lasting results unless the entire system is reformed. Instead, a strategically balanced combination of preventive, punitive, and educational measures is far more effective.
Kazakhstan’s legislative framework is already close to international standards—the next step is ensuring its effective enforcement and gaining public support for reforms.
When honesty becomes more beneficial than corruption, the fight against corruption will finally be won…
Almagul Khasenova,
Chief Expert, Institute of Parliamentarism
