Kazakhstan to form first supreme advisory body, the People's Council

Kazakhstan is set to establish its first supreme advisory body, the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi, also known as the People's Council, in the second half of September. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the council as a unique entity that will embody the ethnic, regional, social, and sociopolitical diversity of the nation.

This new constitutional body will hold the significant power of legislative initiative. Tokayev stated that the formation of the Halyk Kenesi is a key component of ongoing reforms designed to renew government institutions and provide momentum for future changes.

The concept of the Halyk Kenesi was first proposed by Tokayev in January 2026. Initially envisioned to replace existing bodies like the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and the National Kurultai, its membership was proposed to include representatives from ethnocultural associations, public organizations, and regional councils. Later, a provision for the Halyk Kenesi was included in the draft constitution, defining it as the supreme advisory body representing the people's interests.

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The Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi will be formed in the second half of September. This is the first supreme advisory body in Kazakhstan’s history, which will embody the ethnic, regional, social and sociopolitical diversity of our country. In essence, it is a unique body.

A decree signed on July 2 established a state institution, the Secretariat of the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi, along with its regulations and structure. The government has been instructed to implement the decree, with the Presidential Property Management Department and the Ministry of Finance tasked with providing necessary premises.

The Halyk Kenesi will feature a permanent structure, including a session for key decision-making, a permanent collegial body operating between sessions, and planned permanent and temporary committees. Organizational and analytical work will be managed by the Secretariat. Membership will comprise representatives from various societal segments, including ethnocultural associations, public organizations, the non-profit sector, maslikhats, and public councils, with requirements for public activity experience. Members are proposed to serve four-year terms, with the chair also elected for a four-year term, either nominated by the President or by at least one-third of the council members.

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Thus, within a relatively short period of time, almost all key institutions of government will be renewed, giving powerful momentum to our further reforms.