Reviving Rural Kazakhstan: How One Leader Plans to Transform Local Agriculture
Bakytzhan Moldakhanov has now led Vydrikhinsky Rural District for a year and a half. The area, home to around 2,000 people, relies heavily on agriculture for its economy. His appointment followed direct elections, bringing 15 years of public service experience to the role.
Before Moldakhanov’s tenure, Askar Kozhakhmetov served as akim, extending his mandate in 2023. Kozhakhmetov had previously overseen the agricultural department in East Kazakhstan’s state administration. Moldakhanov himself spent 8.5 years as deputy akim of Shemonaikha District before taking charge in Vydrikhinsky.
The district currently supports a school for 220 students, a mini-childcare centre for 50 children, and a rural outpatient clinic. Despite these facilities, challenges remain in recruiting specialists. Low wages have left vacancies unfilled for roles like public procurement accountants, agricultural chief specialists, and veterinary staff.
Moldakhanov’s plans focus on boosting local agriculture. He aims to expand livestock farming, set up agricultural cooperatives, and grow the dairy herd for milk production. To fund these projects, he proposes raising the share of taxes kept at the local level. Additional measures include a 25% pay supplement for rural civil servants and mandatory rural service for graduates in high-demand fields.
Infrastructure upgrades are also a priority. His team intends to repair utility networks, pave roads, install energy-efficient street lighting, and modernise water pipes. Improving healthcare, education, and job opportunities remains central to his strategy for strengthening the district’s workforce.
Moldakhanov’s initiatives target both economic growth and better living conditions. By increasing local tax retention and addressing wage gaps, he hopes to attract essential workers and fund key projects. The district’s future hinges on these changes taking hold in the coming years.
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