FBRK.KZ

The first test launch of the “Sunkar” (Soyuz-5) rocket from Baikonur has been postponed to 13–16 April due to additional checks. The launch was previously scheduled for 3 April and has been repeatedly delayed. The “Baiterek” project, within which the launch is taking place, is being implemented by Kazakhstan and Russia and remains at the testing stage.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that elections for the unicameral Kurultai will be held in August after the new Constitution comes into force. He emphasised that the early announcement of the campaign gives political parties around five months to prepare. The elections are seen as part of extensive political reforms and the transformation of the system of power in the country.

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at an awards ceremony for scientists, announced an increase in funding for science and measures of systematic support for the sector. He spoke of providing housing and grants for young scientists, and also emphasised the need to integrate scientific developments into the economy. The head of state reminded the audience that science has been enshrined as a priority in the new Constitution and proposed the establishment of the Order of Al-Farabi for achievements in the scientific and cultural spheres.

A court in Aktobe has found former head of an aircraft repair plant, Gennady Mezentsev, guilty of theft of property and sentenced him to 7 years in prison. According to the investigation, between 2017 and 2021, aviation components were written off at the enterprise without being actually used. The court also ordered him to pay compensation for damages amounting to 83 million tenge. The verdict has not yet entered into legal force.

In Pavlodar, unconfirmed information is circulating about arrests connected to the 'Safe City' project, with the former head of the digital technology department and a contractor representative potentially implicated. According to Azat Peruashev, they may be charged with bribery, but no official data has yet been released. There is also talk of possible camera removals due to equipment not meeting contract specifications. Earlier, the Ak Zhol party criticised the project for its high cost (around 8.5 billion tenge) and lack of transparency.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that elections for the unicameral Kurultai will be held in August, with the decree to be signed after the new Constitution comes into force. The date was announced early to give parties around five months to prepare for the campaign. The Kurultai will become the supreme representative body, replacing the current parliament, and will consist of 145 deputies. The elections are seen as the start of wide-ranging political reforms, including changes to the system of government, the creation of a People's Council, and the introduction of the post of Vice-President.

In Astana, police officers during the special operation "No to Livestock Theft" stopped a cargo truck carrying meat products without documents and veterinary stamps. More than 6 tonnes of meat were found in the lorry — 26 cattle carcasses and 5 horse carcasses. The owner of the cargo has been held administratively liable, the products have been seized and sent for examination, and an inspection is underway.

Peasants in the Zhambyl region have faced a refusal to supply irrigation water at the height of the planting campaign. Due to a shortage of water resources, linked to a decrease in reserves at the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, some farmers may be left without a harvest. Authorities are offering alternative solutions, but agricultural workers say it is already too late to change their plans.

In March 2026, prices for secondary and rental housing in Kazakhstan fell, while new builds continued to rise. According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the secondary market dropped by 1.5%, rentals by 1.0%, and primary housing increased by 1.0%. Price dynamics were uneven across segments and regions.