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Protests broke out over the weekend in Zhanaozen, Manghistau district, and expanded into the regional center of Aktau.
Demonstrators are dissatisfied with the rise in the price of liquefied natural gas.
Tokayev said on Twitter that a government commission, which includes members of his administration, has taken office in Aktau.
“In the interests of the stability of our country, the commission is tasked with finding a mutually acceptable solution to the current problem,” Tokajev said.
“Law enforcement agencies are tasked with ensuring that public order is not violated. Demonstrators must show responsibility and readiness for dialogue,” he added.
Videos have been circulated on social media showing police surrounding protesters in Aktau.
The bloodiest protests in Kazakhstan since independence in 1991 took place in Zhanaozen.
In 2011, at least 14 strikers were killed when police dispersed protesters in Zhanaozen demanding an increase in wages and improved working conditions for oil.
Tokajev took over the presidency in 2019, replacing Nursultan Nazarbayev. However, Nazarbayev, 81, is chairman of Kazakhstan’s security council and still retains influence in politics.
He has also been awarded the title of “leader of the people”, which gives him unique political privileges as well as legal immunity.
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