Assessing System Readiness for Shock-Responsive Social Protection in Kazakhstan

Highlights

Amid the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related and other emergencies, Kazakhstan faces a growing need to strengthen the resilience of its national systems to shocks. More than 75 per cent of the country’s territory is exposed to natural hazards, including floods, droughts, wildfires, earthquakes and extreme temperatures. These shocks have a direct impact on household well-being, particularly affecting families who are already in vulnerable situations.

This publication brings together three documents aimed at advancing a shock-responsive social protection (SRSP) system in Kazakhstan, with a particular emphasis on the use of cash transfers as an effective tool for emergency response.

The report “Assessment of the Readiness of the Social Protection System to Respond to Emergencies in Kazakhstan” provides a comprehensive analysis of the strengths and limitations of the national social protection system in the context of shock response. The assessment reviews the legal and regulatory framework, institutional coordination mechanisms, financing arrangements, programme design features and administrative systems. Particular attention is given to the Targeted Social Assistance (TSA) programme, data systems including the Digital Family Card, and the potential for both vertical and horizontal expansion of existing benefits during crises.

The analytical brief “Advancing Shock-Responsive Social Protection in Kazakhstan” synthesizes the key findings of the assessment, draws lessons from recent emergencies (including COVID-19, floods, wildfires and droughts), and identifies entry points for further development of SRSP. The document underscores the close interlinkages between poverty, vulnerability and exposure to shocks, as well as the need for region-specific response approaches.

The document “Recommended Actions” outlines a practical roadmap for the Government of Kazakhstan and partners to institutionalize SRSP. Priority areas include:

• strengthening core social protection programmes to ensure their continuity during crises;
• refining the formula and delivery mechanisms of Targeted Social Assistance;
• introducing emergency response procedures and shock-sensitive adjustments to programme design;
• enhancing and adapting the Digital Family Card to improve targeting in emergency contexts;
• increasing institutional preparedness and reinforcing inter-agency coordination.

Taken together, these documents provide a strategic foundation for building a more flexible, predictable and resilient social protection system in Kazakhstan—one capable of delivering timely support to families with children and other vulnerable groups during crises, while simultaneously strengthening long-term resilience and social equity.