Oljas Bektenov: The First Silovik to Lead the Government of Kazakhstan

History · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Born in 1980, Oljas Bektenov rose from a legal specialist to become Kazakhstan's prime minister in 2024. Known for his background in anti-corruption, he is the first official from the security and law enforcement apparatus to lead the nation, promising a government defined by decisive action and high-speed reform.

Oljas Bektenov’s career is deeply rooted in the Kazakh legal and anti-corruption infrastructure. A graduate of the Kazakh State Law Academy, he spent years navigating the bureaucracy of the Ministry of Justice and the Presidential Administration. His reputation was largely forged during his tenure at the Anti-Corruption Agency, or Antikor, which he chaired starting in February 2022. Following civil unrest that year, Bektenov oversaw high-profile investigations into the relatives of former President Nursultan Nazarbayev, resulting in the imprisonment of Kairat Satybaldy and Kairat Boranbayev for corruption and fraud.

During his time at Antikor, Bektenov implemented aggressive reforms, including the 'Corruption Risks Map' to identify vulnerable sectors and the 'Bizneske Jol' project to support entrepreneurs. His agency recovered over 650 billion tenge, funds that were redirected toward building schools and kindergartens. He also pushed for stricter legal standards, such as the Law on Illegal Enrichment and the removal of parole options for serious corruption offenses. These efforts were marked by internal disciplinary actions against over 100 employees, signaling a rigorous approach to departmental oversight.

In 2023, Bektenov transitioned to Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration, where he focused on administrative restructuring to reduce bureaucratic overlap. His appointment as Prime Minister in February 2024, and subsequent re-appointment in August 2026, solidified his role as a central figure in the administration of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. While his rise has been met with allegations of nepotism—specifically regarding his potential connection to Adilbek Zhaksybekov—critics and journalists note that such claims remain unverified. As prime minister, Bektenov has prioritized economic diversification and infrastructure development, maintaining a public stance of 'more deeds, fewer words' while navigating challenges like the 2024 regional floods.

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