Kyrgyzstan Targets School Overcrowding Through Private Sector Reform

Bishkek – In a recent Government Accelerators session, Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan, reaffirmed the government's commitment to affordable education and tackling the shortage of school facilities, particularly in densely populated areas (Kutbilim).

Key Education Reforms

To tackle severe overcrowding and improve access to quality education, the Kyrgyz government is moving swiftly to reform the licensing and support system for private schools. Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev emphasized that partnering with the private sector is essential to expanding educational opportunities, especially in regions where public schools struggle to keep up with growing demand. As part of the Government Accelerators program, a 100-day fast-track reform initiative, officials aim to simplify the process for private schools to open and operate. This approach is designed to ease pressure on the public education system while maintaining high standards.

Key points of the reform include:

• Simplifying private school licensing: Kasymaliev stressed the need to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for private primary school operators. This reform is expected to stimulate private education growth, helping to alleviate overcrowding in public schools.
• Critical regions identified: Major shortages of school places are reported in Bishkek, Osh, and the Chüy and Jalal‑Abad provinces. In some cases, schools operate in two or three shifts daily, which negatively impacts the quality of education and the well-being of students and teachers.
• Private sector involvement rising: As of 2025, Kyrgyzstan has 219 private schools, mostly concentrated in urban areas. In 2024 alone, 33 licenses were granted, with another 21 schools approved in early 2025.
• 100-day action window: These reforms are part of the Government Accelerators program, which aims to implement key changes within 100 days.

Aligning with SDG 4 and International Trends

Kasymaliev’s statements reflect Kyrgyzstan’s ongoing commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. In April 2024, during a forum with international development partners, Kyrgyz authorities introduced the “Altyn Kazyk” Education Program, a comprehensive reform initiative that includes:

• Transitioning to a 12-year school model
• Expanding digital learning tools
• Increasing teacher training
• Updating STEM curricula (24.kg)(Kabar)

Additionally, this initiative is supported by broader international efforts; for example, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $40 million program to strengthen education infrastructure and governance in Kyrgyzstan (ADB News).

Looking Ahead

Kasymaliev stressed that the private education sector is now viewed not as a competitor but as a key partner in promoting educational equity. The upcoming reforms focus on:

• Encouraging investment
• Supporting job creation
• Improving student access to quality learning environments

With a 100-day timeline underway, tangible progress is expected by autumn 2025. The Education Ministry will lead efforts to review and streamline licensing procedures to help achieve these goals (Kutbilim).

This new wave of education reform reflects a pragmatic and inclusive approach to public-private collaboration in Kyrgyzstan’s school system. As population growth and urbanization continue, coordinated efforts across sectors will be crucial to ensuring every child has a seat in a quality classroom.