Kazakhstan initiates audits of its major entities

Kazakhstan’s Supreme Audit Chamber (SAC) is set to scrutinize the activities of the Samruk-Kazyna national fund, Kazatomprom and the National Bank in 2025, the president’s office said in a statement.

The statement followed a meeting between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chairman of the SAC Alikhan Smailov. During the meeting, Smailov informed the president about the agency’s activities in 2024 and outlined plans for the current year.

Last year, the chamber inspected 214 entities, covering a total budget of approximately $22 billion. During that audit, financial irregularities totaling $1.7 billion were identified, and $270 million was returned to the state budget, a fivefold increase compared to 2023.

The audit brought to light systemic issues in price setting for construction, funding projects within the processing industry and subsidizing agriculture. As a result, the SAC issued a set of recommendations to the cabinet and directives to public agencies, requesting the elimination of all violations.  

Over 40 audit examinations are planned for 2025, focusing on the fields of science, defense, law enforcement, sports, social security and forestry.

«Following the president’s instruction, the budgetary performance will be examined for the cities of Astana and Almaty, the North Kazakhstan, Kostanay and Zhambyl regions, as well as the Samruk Kazyna national fund, the Kazatomprom national company, Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC), the National Bank and the Ministry of Emergency Situations,» the statement read.