Kazakhstan’s AI push raises questions over President’s family ties

Kazakhstan’s drive to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence is facing scrutiny over the business interests of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s great-nephew. An investigation by Radio Azattyq found that two universities founded by 23-year-old Nurassyl Medeu have received significant state support, including investments from government-owned companies and access to publicly funded facilities. The arrangements have raised questions about transparency, potential conflicts of interest, and whether political connections may have helped accelerate the entrepreneur’s rise.

Tokayev has made artificial intelligence central to Kazakhstan’s modernization strategy, declaring 2026 the “year of artificial intelligence.” In September 2025, he established a dedicated Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and subsequently announced plans for an AI research university that would receive “special status.”

That initiative became Qazaq AI Research University (QAIRU), a private institution founded by Medeu in April 2026. The university began classes last month, welcoming approximately 400 undergraduate students and 100 master’s students, according to local media. It describes itself as Central Asia’s first AI-enabled university.