Completion of First Stage of Administrative-Territorial Reform in Kyrgyzstan
The first stage of the administrative-territorial reform in Kyrgyzstan has been successfully completed, according to the head of the Department of the Ministry of Economy, Iskandarbek Mamatov. This reform aimed to streamline the territorial division of the country, optimize local government structures, introduce state programs for subsidizing local community initiatives, and develop new standards for local governments.
At an event with experts, Mamatov highlighted the positive impact of the reform on the quality of local services, including improving municipal services, increasing the efficiency of budget funds, and simplifying procedures for citizen-government interaction. However, he also noted the challenges faced by local authorities, such as adapting to new conditions, securing additional funding, and providing necessary personnel training.
The Ministry of Economy representatives stated that work on the reform will continue in the coming years, with a focus on strengthening digitalization of local government, developing new mechanisms for financial support for municipalities, and implementing tools to assess the effectiveness of administrative reforms.
Mamatov emphasized that the final results of the reform will be fully assessed in a few years, when all planned changes have been implemented and local authorities have fully adapted to the new conditions. Prior to the reform, there were 452 aiyl okmotu, which has now been decreased to only 235. Many cities have expanded their areas by annexing nearby villages, with Bishkek nearly tripling in size.
This ongoing reform is an essential step towards modernizing and improving the efficiency of local government structures in Kyrgyzstan, ultimately aiming to provide better services and support to citizens.
