Bishkek:In Kyrgyzstan, the number of pensioners has surged, more than doubling over the past 16 years to reach 826,000 individuals. This information was shared by Baktiyar Aliev, the Chairman of the Social Fund, during the "Open Cabinet" program on Birinchi Radio.

According to 24.kg News Agency, the number of pensioners in 2010 was approximately 400,000. By November 1, 2026, this figure had risen to 826,000. The last four years alone have seen an increase of 100,000 people receiving pensions.

Baktiyar Aliev also highlighted the significant rise in pension costs accompanying the increase in pensioners. In 2021, 52 billion soms were allocated for pension payments. By 2026, this budget had escalated to 122 billion soms, with projections suggesting it could reach 150 billion soms by 2027. Consequently, annual pension expenses have more than doubled over the past five years.

Over the past three years, Kyrgyzstan has implemented the first stage of pension reform, introducing 11 changes, including a reduction in the minimum required length of service for pension eligibility. Initially reduced to five years, the requirement is now six years as of 2026 and will increase to seven years in 2027. This adjustment has allowed more citizens to qualify for pensions, contributing to the rise in pensioner numbers.

The average pension has risen significantly, with the figure reaching 12,880 soms in October 2026, compared to about 6,000 soms in 2021. The minimum pension was increased to 8,800 soms for most recipients, although special calculation rules apply to certain categories, potentially resulting in lower actual payments.

The head of the Social Fund emphasized that ongoing pension system reforms are crucial to accommodate the growing number of recipients and to ensure sustainable financing for pension payments.