Enhancing Local Governance in Kazakhstan: Leveraging International Experience and Decentralisation

Abstract

This article examines the relevance of improving local self-government as a crucial element in the development of public administration in Kazakhstan amidst global integra-tion. The study explores the experiences and mechanisms of decentralisation in certain European countries, high-lighting valuable insights that can be adapted to Kazakh-stan’s local government system. By analysing existing legis-lation and gaps in the current model, the article proposes measures to address these shortcomings. The successful implementation of Denmark and Germany’s municipal association mechanism is identified as a valuable approach in the context of modern-day Kazakhstan. Additionally, the Finnish experience of an Internet portal for civil ini-tiatives is considered for its potential inclusion in Kazakh-stan’s local self-government system. The article emphasizes the importance of citizen engagement to effectively devel-op the local self-government system. Thus, implementing these improvement strategies through decentralised mechanisms has the potential to significantly transform Kazakh-stan’s existing local self-government system.