Kazakhstan is considered as one of the countries of the former communist bloc that has been most successful in modernising its governance systems, with the help of a long period of rapid economic development and political stability. However, its reform programme, conducted by a centralised State structure, has so far had less success in enforcing rules of public accountability towards citizens and in enhancing professionalism in the civil service. In this context, this chapter provides an analysis of the structures, functions and relations to other public and private entities of the Kazakh ministries; their policy-making capacity from the design stage to the implementation of measures; and their management of human resources, the budget, the oversight of subordinate organisations, and integrity issues. In each of these areas, the chapter reviews recent decisions, assesses the current situation, proposes examples of good practice from other countries and makes policy recommendations.