Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Kazakhstan will change the funding structure for several major institutions, including Nazarbayev University (NU), the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The new regulations were adopted following inspections by the Supreme Audit Chamber (SAC) into these entities. NU’s operations were audited in the second half of 2024.
Previously, these organizations received government funding through earmarked contributions and transfers. According to auditors, this approach reduced transparency and prevented the state’s assets from being accurately reflected in consolidated financial statements.
Additionally, the funding method did not contribute to an increase in the authorized capital of the recipient organizations, meaning it failed to grow state assets.
«As a result, the new Budget Code excludes provisions for financing through earmarked contributions and transfers. Instead, transfers to legal entities have been introduced,» the SAC press office reported.
Under the new rules, if an organization does not use its allocated funds during the fiscal year, the money will be returned to the budget, except in strictly defined cases.
The changes also aim to increase accountability. Heads of organizations will be held personally responsible for meeting planned targets, justifying expenditures and ensuring the reliability of reports.
In March 2025, the SAC was accused of covering up the embezzlement of tens of billions of tenge at NU. MP Murat Abenov alleged that auditors concealed the theft of 73 billion tenge (over $140 million).
