Former Abay Region Akim Appointed as Advisor to the Prime Minister

Former Akim of the Abay region, Nurlan Urankhayev, has been appointed advisor to the Prime Minister, Orda.kz reports.

The government press service confirmed his appointment. Urankhayev previously served as the first Akim of the Abay region following its creation.

The 60-year-old is a native of Semipalatinsk (now Semey). His early career included work as a fitter, foreman, and site manager. He later earned three higher education degrees from Kazakh universities in mechanical engineering, economics and management, and civil engineering.

He also holds both a Candidate and Doctorate degrees in political science.

Urankhayev has held leadership positions in corporations and public institutions, served as Deputy Akim in the East Kazakhstan and Qyzylorda regions, and worked in the Presidential Administration, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and other government bodies.

From 2019 to 2022, he headed Astana’s Department of Architecture, Urban Planning, and Land Relations.

He was appointed Akim of the Abay region — home to over 600,000 people — in June 2022.

On February 14, 2025, President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev dismissed Urankhayev from the role, and a few days later, presidential spokesperson Berik Uali was named his successor.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya