Pray for Kazakhstan
A canyon of red rock in south-east Kazakhstan, shaped over millions of years.
Photo: Bgag, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Kazakhstan
The capital is Astana. People speak Kazakh and Russian. The largest faith is Islam.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Kazakhstan
Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
Kazakhstan has been through a season of political change. Voters approved a new constitution in March, and on 23 August they elected the first single-chamber parliament, the Kurultai. Many families are feeling the pressure of high prices after VAT rose from 12% to 16% at the start of the year.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
Kazakhstan is a presidential republic. The President is Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the Prime Minister is Olzhas Bektenov, confirmed again by the new Kurultai on 31 August. The new constitution brings back the post of vice president and replaces the two chambers of parliament with one 145-member Kurultai elected for five years. Some critics say the changes strengthen presidential power.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
The economy grew about 6.5% in 2025, and the National Bank expects about 3.5 to 4.5% in 2026. Inflation was about 12% in 2025 and is forecast at about 9.5 to 11.5% this year. Unemployment is about 5% and about 5% of people lived below the poverty line in 2023, but rising prices are a leading worry for many households.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
About 71% of people are Kazakh and about 15% Russian, with Uzbek, Ukrainian, Uyghur, German, Tatar and other communities (2023). Most people understand both Kazakh and Russian. Health care, education, jobs and the gap between city and countryside were among the main concerns raised in the election.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
About 69% of people are Muslim and about 17% are Christian, mostly Orthodox, with about 11% not stating a faith (2021). Christians are found mainly in Orthodox parishes, with small numbers in other churches.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
Kazakhstan is a secular state, and the new constitution strengthens the separation of religion and state. In its 2026 report, USCIRF recommended adding Kazakhstan to its Special Watch List, a new recommendation that followed a visit to the country in 2025. The US State Department did not add it to the list.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
The Russian Empire conquered the Kazakh steppe in the 18th and 19th centuries, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet republic in 1925. Forced collectivisation in the early 1930s brought repression and famine, and more than a million people died. Later Soviet settlement programmes changed the make-up of the land, and Kazakhstan became independent on 16 December 1991.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for Kazakhstan. Be near to every family under the strain of rising prices, and give relief where it is most needed. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to the President, the Prime Minister and the new Kurultai. Provide work and fair wages, and let leaders steward the wealth of the land honestly. Make the many peoples of Kazakhstan one in respect and peace, and care for the poor and the forgotten. Let hope and Your truth spread in every city and village. Protect believers and give them freedom to worship without fear. Heal the memory of famine and loss, and lead the nation in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- Ahram Online: Kazakhstan votes in first Kurultai elections (Aug 2026)
- Interfax: Kurultai confirms Bektenov as prime minister (Aug 2026)
- Caspian Policy Center: 2026 constitutional referendum (2026)
- Interfax: National Bank growth and inflation forecast (Mar 2026)
- Hronika: inflation, VAT and living standards (Jan 2026)
- USCIRF: 2026 recommendations (Mar 2026)
More ways to pray
PrayerCast shares short prayer videos for the nations. Watch its video for Kazakhstan and pray along.
Watch the PrayerCast video for Kazakhstan
It opens on prayercast.com in a new tab. If it does not open the page for Kazakhstan, search for the nation on PrayerCast.
Is something on this page not right? Tell us
Share a prayer request for Kazakhstan
Is there something you would like us to pray for in Kazakhstan? Tell us, and we will pray with you. You choose whether we may publish it or keep it private.