This scientific and theoretical article presents a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the penal system of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the context of global trends in penitentiary policy. The authors investigate in detail the transformation process of the domestic model of punishment execution from the Soviet paradigm of «correction by labor» to international standards of resocialization and probation. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the law enforcement practice of the Criminal Executive Code of 2014, the effectiveness of the probation institution, the problems of employment of convicts through the RSE «Enbek» system, as well as issues of medical support following the transfer of functions to the Ministry of Health. Based on extensive empirical material, statistical data, and sociological research, systemic contradictions between legislative goals and actual conditions of serving sentences are identified. Issues of countering prison subculture, preventing religious extremism in places of detention, and the prospects for implementing cell-based detention are considered. The article contains scientifically grounded recommendations for improving legislation and law enforcement practice in order to minimize recidivism.