Born on December 13, 1980, in Almaty (formerly Alma‑Ata), Bektenov pursued a strong academic foundation in law. He graduated with honors from the Kazakh State Law Academy in 2001, where he completed his degree in jurisprudence and later earned an advanced legal qualification focusing on administrative and legal issues. This legal background provided an early framework for his subsequent government roles.

Bektenov’s professional career began in 2002, when he became a chief specialist in the Department of Justice in Almaty. Over the next two decades, he moved through a variety of significant positions within Kazakhstan’s state apparatus. These roles included serving in the Presidential Administration, as well as leadership responsibilities within the Ministry of Justice and the Agency for Combating Economic and Corruption Crimes (also known as the financial police). His early roles helped shape his understanding of both legal systems and public administration.

A defining chapter in Bektenov’s career was his long association with anti‑corruption efforts. Between 2018 and 2023, he held senior leadership roles in Kazakhstan’s anti‑corruption bodies, including as Deputy Chairman and later Chairman of the Anti‑Corruption Agency. During this time, he emphasized institutional transparency, enforcement actions against corrupt practices, and the strengthening of legal frameworks. Under his leadership, the agency conducted high‑profile investigations and implemented initiatives designed to reduce corruption across government and business sectors.

In April 2023, Bektenov was appointed Head of the Presidential Administration, a role in which he worked closely with President Tokayev and became deeply involved in shaping national policy direction. His effective management of presidential affairs and broad experience made him a logical candidate when the prime ministership became vacant in early 2024.

On February 6, 2024, after the resignation of the previous government led by Alikhan Smailov, Bektenov was nominated by the ruling Amanat party and overwhelmingly approved by the Mäjilis (lower house of Parliament) as Kazakhstan’s new Prime Minister. Upon assuming office, he described his leadership vision as a “government of decisive action” focused on accelerating economic growth, enhancing infrastructure, supporting domestic businesses, and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.

One of the early challenges Bektenov’s administration faced was responding to widespread flooding that impacted multiple regions in Kazakhstan in 2024. In the wake of this natural disaster, his government worked to coordinate relief efforts, appointing key officials to manage crisis response and recovery. These actions underscored the government’s focus on both economic resilience and public welfare.

Bektenov’s premiership has been marked by efforts to diversify Kazakhstan’s economy, attract foreign investment, and strengthen partnerships with international counterparts. Under his leadership, the government has highlighted expanding domestic production and fostering innovation as central pillars of national development. His meetings with foreign leaders and participation in international forums demonstrate Kazakhstan’s ongoing engagement in regional and global cooperation.

As Prime Minister, Bektenov continues to balance the demands of governance with a commitment to reform. His blend of legal expertise, administrative experience, and emphasis on anti‑corruption positions him as a key figure in Kazakhstan’s contemporary political scene, steering the country through both domestic challenges and broader economic shifts.