The article considers the process of reforming the civil service system in the
Republic of Kazakhstan. Based on a literature review, analysis of legal acts, program
documents, the stages of civil service reform, the process of building a “listening”, highquality, accountable, professional and pragmatic state apparatus are considered. The
empirical data reveals the goals, functions, factors and prospects for reforming the civil
service towards building the New Kazakhstan.
The results of the study show that, despite the systemic measures undertaken during
civil service reforms over the past 30 years, remarkable changes have not been fully
achieved (the average rating of respondents – civil servants, is 5.9 out of 10). Questions
about monetary support and civil servants’ competency development remain open. In
particular, low wages, insufficient motivation and competency levels are among the top
three current issues.
Taking into account a retrospective analysis of civil service reform, as well as the data
obtained during a survey, three innovative priorities for further improvement of the civil
service are suggested.
