Transport Ministry Leadership Vacancy Remains Unfilled

Since the June 8 dismissal of Marat Karabayev, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport has remained without a Minister.

While the Ministry of Defense quickly filled its leadership vacuum, the post at Transport has stayed vacant.

Karabayev, who had served as minister since September 2023 after previously overseeing the merged Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development, was dismissed shortly after President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev issued sharp criticism of the country’s transport system.

At a Security Council meeting in mid-May, Toqayev highlighted chronic issues: bottlenecks at border crossings, delays in major infrastructure projects, and outdated logistics systems. An official reprimand followed.

Still, just weeks before his dismissal, Karabayev told reporters he had no plans to step down and hoped to restore trust. Political observers, however, say his departure had already been anticipated.

Notably, it came during a business trip, according to analyst Daniyar Ashimbayev.

Not Just About The Ministry

Deputy Azat Peruashev, head of the Aq Jol Democratic Party, said the search for a replacement is likely taking time due to the complexity of the Ministry’s portfolio.

The appointment of ministers is the prerogative of the Head of State. A thorough vetting process is probably underway now,
 Peruashev told Orda.kz.

He emphasized that the issue concerns not only the Ministry itself, but also major subordinate organizations, including the national company KTZ and KazAvtoZhol, where, in his view, there are also many systemic problems.

The deputy noted that he regularly scrutinizes these companies.

Peruashev stressed the strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor and Kazakhstan’s potential role in freight routes from China to Europe. 

He said the next minister must possess both technical expertise and long-term vision.

Asked about rumors that Karabayev’s exit was unplanned, Peruashev responded:

He also weighed in on speculation surrounding potential successor Kuanyshbek Yesekeyev, former head of Kazakhtelecom.

Yesekeyev is a capable manager and financier. Under his leadership, Kazakhtelecom was a success. And today—well, look at the state of it. Shares are falling. I think no one would dispute he’s a smart and effective leader. 

Nothing Unusual

Majilis deputy Magerram Magerramov believes delays in appointments are not uncommon. He emphasized that whoever takes the job should prioritize public-private partnerships to address Kazakhstan’s underdeveloped road infrastructure.

We’ve proposed using PPP mechanisms to build and maintain roads. The state should provide access and conditions — then investors can build. And whoever builds them should maintain them for 10 to 20 years. That way, they have skin in the game,
he said.

Magerramov declined to comment on Yesekeyev as a potential candidate, noting that all appointments are reviewed by a parliamentary committee.

Digitalization

Deputy Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva attributed the delay to internal government processes and said lawmakers are not involved in such appointments.

Apparently, candidates are still being assessed. The transport and logistics sector is central to our economy — and not an easy one,
 she said.

While she refused to speculate on possible nominees, Smyshlyaeva emphasized the urgency of resolving long-standing problems.

Smyshlyaeva, who focuses on digitalization policy, criticized the Ministry’s uneven adoption of new technologies.

There are fragmented systems in place — some are functional, others not. Integration across the sector is lacking,
 she said.

She added that the Ministry faces both strategic and day-to-day responsibilities and expressed hope that the new minister would be up to the task.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov