Who makes decisions in rural areas? The Department of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Civil Service Affairs for Kostanay Region offers a portrait of rural akims – those who work at the level of government closest to the population.

In Kostanay Region, the institution of rural akims is represented by 196 akims of rural districts. Their distribution reflects the region's territorial characteristics: the largest number of akims is concentrated in Kostanay District (16), Auliekol and Karabalyk Districts (13 each), and the city of Arkalyk (13). The smallest number is in the city of Lisakovsk (1).

The modern portrait of a rural akim is, first and foremost, an experienced manager. Almost 83% of akims are men, and about 17% are women. The average age is 45–46, indicating a balance between professional experience and high performance. However, the age range is quite broad: from 29 to 64 years.

The youngest akim (mayor) today is 29 years old – he is the akim of the Karasu rural district in the Amangeldy district. The oldest is 64 years old – the akim of the Urnek rural district in the Karabalyk district, elected in 2022 for a four-year term.

However, the law clearly states that reaching retirement age is not grounds for termination of a village akim's powers.

Almost 95% of akims have higher education. The most common fields of study are economics and finance (29%), law (29%), and pedagogy (15%). Public administration and management were chosen by 6%, and technical specialties by about 9%.

The average length of service for a village akim in public service exceeds 14 years. Almost half of the current akims have been in office for less than three years, indicating a renewal of the administrative corps. At the same time, a stable core has been preserved: 68 akims have held their positions for five years or more, ensuring continuity and stability in governance.

Analysis shows that the position of village akim (mayor) rarely serves as a career launchpad. More than 70% of leaders are appointed after the age of 35, and over a third are between the ages of 35 and 45. This confirms that the position of village akim (mayor) is a stage of professional growth that requires maturity, management experience, and authority.

More than 60% of akims are natives of the Kostanay region. Their geographic origins within the region are distributed fairly evenly, without being concentrated in any one district. Every third akim works in the district where they were born, allowing for a deeper understanding of local characteristics and social context.

At the same time, the principle of personnel mobility is actively applied: in 60% of cases, akims work outside their home district. This approach allows for the flexible redistribution of management personnel and the strengthening of problem areas.

The majority of rural akims (84%) have no disciplinary sanctions. When they are held accountable, lenient measures predominate. It's important to note the steady positive trend: over the past three years, the number of akims reviewed by the Ethics Council has more than halved.

This profile is complemented by a system of incentives: every fifth rural akim has received state or departmental awards, demonstrating recognition of their contribution to the development of their territories.

At the same time, requirements for akim candidates and verification of their compliance with civil service legislation are the responsibility of the authorized body for civil service affairs in accordance with the Law "On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan."

Head of the Department of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Civil Service Affairs for Kostanay Region, Chairman of the Ethics Council – E.A. Salykbayev

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-mendykarin-audany-akimat/press/news/details/1138175?lang=kk