(19 February 2026 | Source: response from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a request from deputies of the Senate of Parliament)
The government's official response has been published regarding a request from a group of Senate deputies concerning the situation surrounding the Kazakh Scientific Research Veterinary Institute (KazSRVI) Limited Liability Partnership. The appeal was prompted by parliamentarians' statements about the reduction of the institute's territory and risks to biological safety. In the response from Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, some of these concerns were not confirmed.
WHAT THE DEPUTIES CLAIMED AND WHAT THE GOVERNMENT RESPONDED
Previously, deputies claimed that the territory of KazSRVI had shrunk from 40 hectares to 3.5 hectares, and that part of the land could be seized for residential development. In their assessment, this created risks for the functioning of the institute and the biosafety system. The deputies also pointed to potential risks related to the institute's historical work with particularly dangerous infections.
The government's response provides the following data:
- Seizure of the plot: due to adjustments to the reconstruction project of Raiymbek Avenue, a plot of 0.0188 hectares has been excluded from the demolition zone. The corresponding resolution from the Almaty city akimat is at the approval stage.
- Prosecutor General's Office inspection: an inspection was conducted in 2025, the results of which did not confirm the facts of land seizure for the construction of residential complexes.
- Archival data: documents confirming that the institute once possessed 40 hectares of land have not been found to date. The search is ongoing.
Thus, some of the statements made in the deputies' request were not confirmed in the official response.
DISPUTE OVER THE INSTITUTE'S STATUS
The deputies also proposed removing KazSRVI from the structure of QazBioPharm National Holding Joint-Stock Company and transferring it to the authority of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, citing the need to strengthen scientific support for the veterinary service.
The government considers such a move inexpedient.
The response notes that the holding brings together eight scientific centres and ensures a full cycle — from research to implementation. According to government data, this integration has already led to an increase in the commercialisation of developments and an expansion of exports.
Furthermore, as stated in the document, removing the institute from the structure could lead to a break in the 'science — development — production — implementation' chain and a reduction in the effectiveness of coordination in the field of biological safety.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT CURRENT OVERSIGHT
The government emphasises that matters concerning the activities of the institute and the holding are considered within the framework of the Council on Biological Safety Issues chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Aida Balayeva.
Overall, according to the response, the provision of biological and epizootic safety is under constant monitoring.