Photo 24.kg. Swimming pool in the Sports Palace
The Sports Palace in Bishkek is set for reconstruction. The mayor of the capital, Aibek Junushaliev, announced the creation of a working group to discuss the project concept. It is planned to preserve the historical appearance of the building while modernizing it according to contemporary standards, as done in the "Zhashtyk Arena," taking into account the requirements for multifunctionality. The swimming pool in the complex will remain. After the renovation is completed, the Sports Palace will become a convenient and accessible place for both professional athletes and city residents, the mayor believes.
As of the end of 2025, the country's economy showed a growth of 11.1 percent, amounting to 1 trillion 976.4 billion soms. The National Statistical Committee recorded an acceleration in the pace of development at the end of the year. The service sector continues to hold leading positions in the economic structure, accounting for almost 50 percent of GDP, while the share of commodity production increased to 35.4 percent. The industrial sector showed significant growth: the production of pharmaceutical products increased by 1.7 times, and the volume of construction materials and food products grew by more than 30 percent. However, inflation last year was 9.4 percent, and tariffs for services to the population increased by 11.2 percent.
Incidence of ARVI and influenza in Kyrgyzstan increased by 28.8 percent over the week. Doctors recorded nearly 16,000 cases of illness. The main risk group is children under 14 years old, who make up about 77 percent of the total number of patients. 2.7 thousand people were admitted to hospitals. The most challenging epidemiological situation is observed in Bishkek, Osh, and Chui region. Laboratory studies confirmed the presence of influenza types A and B, as well as cases of COVID-19.
Last year, more than 8,000 traffic accidents occurred in Kyrgyzstan. The main causes of accidents are speeding, crossing into oncoming traffic, and driving under the influence.
The country plans to grant more autonomy to 20 state hospitals to expand their powers in management and finance. This project is under discussion, but preliminary estimates show that the cost of paid services will increase by 35-50 percent, although it will remain twice cheaper compared to private medical services. An analysis will be conducted after the trial period. A final report with conclusions and proposals for reforming the healthcare system will be presented by April 1, 2027.
Other interesting and important news was covered by journalists 24.kg in the review "Week-24".
Rising tariffs and food prices. Sad results of 2025 for Kyrgyzstan
In 2025, consumer prices in Kyrgyzstan rose by 9.4 percent compared to 2024. According to the National Statistical Committee, by November, inflation was 8.3 percent. The highest increase affected tariffs for services to the population — by 11.2 percent; food and non-alcoholic beverages — by 9.9 percent; alcoholic beverages and tobacco products — by 8 percent; non-food goods — by 7.8 percent.
Economic growth of Kyrgyzstan by 11.1 percent. Results of 2025
According to preliminary data, the gross domestic product of Kyrgyzstan in 2025 amounted to 1 trillion 976.4 billion soms, which is 11.1 percent more compared to 2024. Over 11 months, growth was 10.2 percent. The increase in GDP was driven by commodity production, the service sector, and net taxes on products. The main driver of the economy was the growth in the production of pharmaceutical products (1.7 times), rubber and plastic products, as well as construction materials (by 35.7 percent).
Domestic violence: why protection orders don’t work
Domestic violence remains one of the most pressing issues in Kyrgyzstan. High-profile crimes periodically shock the public, and statistics are relentlessly rising. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in 11 months of 2025, 19,995 cases of domestic violence were registered, which is 27.5 percent more than in 2024. During this period, 519 criminal cases were initiated, of which 328 were sent to court. Among the crimes were 31 murders, 35 cases of causing serious bodily harm, 28 tortures, and the same number of rapes.
Trolleybuses in Bishkek: loss and memories
Despite the complete disappearance of the trolleybus infrastructure, residents of the capital and activists continue to reminisce about this eco-friendly and spacious mode of transport. They organized an event dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the trolleybus and the development of electric transport in general, in the context of the launch of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport. The initiative group #BishkekSmog and activist Bermet Borubaeva are trying to understand why the city authorities abandoned the established system of convenient transport, replacing it with untested electric buses in our conditions. However, the answer remains unclear.
Teacher shortage in Kyrgyzstan: schools are empty, parents are seeking alternatives
According to the Ministry of Education as of December 2025, there is a shortage of 761 teachers in Kyrgyzstan's schools. Vacancies are most prevalent in general education institutions in Chui and Batken regions, as well as in Bishkek. What prevents staff from staying in schools, and what measures are the authorities taking to address this problem?
Value of the Kyrgyzstan national football team at the beginning of 2026
At the start of the 2026 season, the total transfer value of the Kyrgyzstan national football team is 7 million 630 thousand euros, according to data from the Transfermarkt portal. A year earlier, the national team was valued higher — at 8 million 25 thousand euros.
Nasirdin Isanov: the story and mystery of the death of the first Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan
Nasirdin Isanov holds an important place in the recent history of Kyrgyzstan. He was the first Prime Minister of the independent republic and one of the most principled statesmen of his time, living a bright but tragically short life. His death in November 1991 remains one of the most mysterious pages of Kyrgyz politics. Over the years, generations of politicians have changed, decisions from the early 90s have been re-evaluated, yet the question "What really happened on November 29, 1991, on the Jalal-Abad — Osh highway?" has not been answered. The politician's son, Almaz Isanov, shared memories of his father with 24.kg.
Venezuela, Iran, Greenland: Trump's actions and their consequences
The capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by American special forces, ambitious plans regarding Greenland, loud promises of support for protesters in Iran, and then a sharp turnaround and renunciation of his words — this is how 2026 began for the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump. Leading Western media note that Trump has returned foreign policy to a mode of "shock and ultimatum." We have gathered for you the main reports on Trump's policy on the world stage.
The creativity of Shaksanem Murray: life in words and the fates of heroes
Shaksanem Murray is a Kyrgyz-British writer, born and raised in Bishkek. She graduated from the Romance-Germanic faculty of the Kyrgyz National University. Since 2001, she has lived in Edinburgh, Scotland. In an interview with 24.kg, the writer spoke about her journey in literature.
Scandalous statements by Syimyk Japikeev: audacity or truth?
“Bold position,” “said what many think but do not dare to voice” — this is how a significant part of the Kyrgyz internet community reacts to the statements of Syimyk Japikeev in Ernist Kyiazov's podcast, where he claimed that Chingiz Aitmatov is “five kopecks,” “does not inspire,” “does not give guidance.” Anyone can criticize everyone and everything, and there is nothing forbidden in this. However, the problem lies not in the permissibility of such opinions, but in the fact that it is much deeper.
Unusual clouds in Naryn and foggy Bishkek: photos and videos from 24.kg readers
We are creating a section "Moments of Life" featuring our readers from 24.kg, who love to travel around Kyrgyzstan and share their photos and videos. In this issue, we will see how Bishkek is shrouded in fog at the beginning of January, admire the snow-covered suburbs of the capital, as well as the unusual clouds in Naryn and the picturesque Murdash gorge in the south of the republic.
What to watch next week: from Marvel superheroes to Turkish dramas
The last week of January (January 26 - February 1) will be rich in new series. In the coming seven days, we can expect premieres in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the return of the aristocrats from "Bridgerton," thrilling British thrillers, and long-awaited continuations of popular projects.
