The head of the Anti-Corruption Agency held a briefing on the topic: "The practice of implementing new anti-corruption mechanisms: results and prospects"

During the event, held at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Chairman of the Agency, Marat Akhmetzhanov, spoke about the ongoing reforms in the country in the field of combating corruption. The briefing was attended by the diplomatic corps accredited in Kazakhstan and representatives of international organizations.

Opening the event, the Chairman of the Agency noted that the consistent legislative measures over 30 years of Independence have allowed Kazakhstan to form its own model of anti-corruption policy. In this context, he pointed out that an important step taken in 1998 was the adoption of the Law “On Combating Corruption”, the first such law in the post-Soviet space, implemented within the framework of the “Strategy ‘Kazakhstan – 2030’”.

He added that further on, as the legislation developed and taking onto account the international practice of the OECD countries, a course was taken to prevent this type of crime. In particular, preventive tools were introduced, including analysis of corruption risks and anti-corruption monitoring; improvement of a system of incentives for citizens who reported instances of corruption; introduction of a complete ban on giving and receiving gifts by officials, launch of the institution of anti-corruption expertise, strengthened responsibility for corruption in the quasi-public sector, and introduction of compliance services.

"The current model of countering corruption in Kazakhstan is based on systemic reform through the prism of several directions, including the formation of a professional state apparatus, ensuring the rule of law, openness, transparency and accountability of state institutions, expanding digitalization, and political modernization of society”, M. Akhmetzhanov said.

According to the head of the Anti-Corruption Agency, thanks to these systemic reforms, Kazakhstan has improved its position in the Corruption Perceptions Index from 133rd to 94th place over 10 years, while the country now also ranks 62 out of 128 states in the international Rule of Law Index.

“This year, on behalf of the President, the Agency is developing a Concept for the Development of Anti-Corruption Policy for 2022-2026. Representatives of civil society are actively involved in this work. One of its unique additions is the introduction of being held responsible for unjustified enrichment”, the Chairman of the Agency stressed.

Speaking about the work of the Anti-Corruption Agency, the head of the organization indicated that the Agency is switching to integrated analytics - a comprehensive analysis of a specific area, ensuring the interaction of three main functions - prevention, detection, and investigation. Areas of investigation are criminal schemes and hidden theft.

“Today, according to the new requirements, project management is being introduced in all government agencies. This means focus on the results. This approach allows to individualize the responsibility of officials, set clear and measurable goals and unite efforts to achieve common objectives”, he concluded.

The results of the assessment will be reflected in the National Report on the state of corruption in the country, which is published and submitted to the President.