From Utilities to Security, Kazakhstan Approves New Smart Cities Methodology

A new methodology for creating “smart cities” and “smart regions” has been approved in Kazakhstan. The relevant legal and regulatory act was signed by Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry. However, the rules will not come into force until 12 July 2026. Details of the project can be found in Orda.kz’s review.

The methodology establishes standardized procedures for the digitalization of cities and regions, covering everything from transport management to municipal infrastructure and environmental issues.

So, what is a smart city?

According to the published document, a smart city is a model of urban development based on digital technologies and innovative solutions. The authors of the document aim to increase the efficiency of infrastructure management and improve people’s quality of life. They also plan to extend this approach to the regional level by introducing the concept of a “smart region”, which involves digital transformation in the management of socio-economic processes.

Project goals

The methodology defines three key goals:

• creating safe and comfortable living conditions;
• improving the efficiency of city and regional management;
• increasing the competitiveness of territories.
• Which areas do they want to digitize?

The document provides for the introduction of digital solutions in several areas at once:

• City and regional management.
• Public safety.
• Transport and logistics.
• Ecology.
• Housing and communal services.
• Social services (education, healthcare, culture).
• Economy and business.
• Infrastructure.

The system is to be implemented in settlements across Kazakhstan, which will be divided into three categories: cities of republican significance, the capital and regional centers; cities of regional significance; and district centers. Separate stages of digitalisation have been provided for each level. At the same time, each region will have to develop a strategy and a roadmap for the introduction of these technologies. These documents will then need to be coordinated with the Ministry of AI.

Which technologies are planned for implementation?

Various digital systems will be included in the core framework of the initiative. Among them are:

• Situational city management centers using an AI assistant.
• A single call center for residents’ appeals (109+).
• Integrated urban transport management systems.
• “Smart” bus stops.
• Automated parking systems.
• A unified video surveillance system.
• Waste management systems.
• Ecology monitoring.
• A single digital platform.

The document also states that new digital solutions should be created on the state platform QazTech. All systems must also be integrated with the Ukimet Digital Analytical System, where data from government agencies will be stored and analysed.

How will smart cities be evaluated?

The methodology establishes a rating system and sets out specific criteria. Cities and regions will be evaluated using the integrated CityScore-Kazakhstan index, which ranges from 0 to 100. The assessment takes into account five areas: city management, security, transport and logistics, ecology, and housing and communal services.

The document refers to several international standards and frameworks, including:

• ISO 37120.
• The UN U4SSC program.
• The UrbanTide maturity model.
• The IMD Smart City Index.
• The Boston CityScore evaluation system.

The document also cites examples of similar projects in Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the UAE.

Original author: Alina Elgeldina

Read also:

• UN Shows Interest in Kazakhstan’s Digital Infrastructure Experience
• Astana Enters Top 100 Safest Cities as Smart City Project Expands
• Kazakhstan’s Largest Cities Face Growing Infrastructure Pressure