Pension Increase, Dollar Rate, New Appointments: News You Might Have Missed

Kazakhstan has announced several key government and financial updates this month. A new deputy minister for transport has taken office, while economic measures include a sharp rise in the tenge’s value and planned increases to pensions. Meanwhile, an unusual sighting of a Tesla Cybertruck bearing emergency services markings has drawn attention in Almaty.

On December 17, 2025, Rostislav Anatolyevich Konyashkin officially began his role as Deputy Minister of Transport. His appointment follows another recent promotion, where he was named first deputy minister of artificial intelligence and digital development. The government has also reshuffled other positions, with Azamat Bakitzhanovich Keskimbayev now leading the Transport and Logistics Development Department under the Presidential Administration. Additionally, Erbolat Dosayev has joined the board of directors at Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund.

The country’s economy has seen a notable shift, with the tenge strengthening significantly against the US dollar. The weighted average exchange rate recently fell to 510.18 tenge per dollar. Financial planning for 2026 includes a 10% increase in pensions and social benefits, backed by a budget allocation of 636 billion tenge. In Almaty, a Tesla Cybertruck displaying the emblem of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations was spotted, sparking curiosity. The vehicle’s unusual branding has yet to be officially explained by authorities.

The recent appointments mark a period of change in Kazakhstan’s leadership, with new figures taking on roles in transport, digital development, and finance. The budget for 2026 will direct substantial funds toward higher pensions and benefits, reflecting a focus on social welfare. The tenge’s rise and the sighting of the emergency services Cybertruck add further points of interest in the country’s current developments.