The national road operator KazAvtoZhol has responded to the protest action by the youth association 'Dala Kyrandary' held near the company's office in Astana. The company stated that the causes of road accidents should be determined based on an analysis of each specific case, reports infohub.kz.
On August 7, activists laid flowers, plaques, and soft toys near the company's office and stuck the names of those killed in road accidents on the building. The organizers emphasized that many tragedies on the highways could have been avoided and demanded more attention to road safety.
KazAvtoZhol noted that they understand the public's concern and the pain of families who lost loved ones in accidents. However, in their opinion, the overall mortality statistics cannot be directly linked solely to the activities of the national operator.
According to the national company, the figure of 807 deaths in the first half of 2026, cited by the protesters, applies to the entire road network of Kazakhstan. This includes city streets, local and regional roads, as well as highways of international and national significance. The operator is responsible only for highways of international and national significance.
In the first six months of 2026, on these roads: 1,371 accidents were registered – 9% fewer than a year earlier; 332 deaths – a 17% decrease; 2,587 injured – a 9% decrease.
The company also cited Interior Ministry data, according to which up to 90% of accidents occur due to driver fault.
"Linking the overall road mortality statistics exclusively to the activities of KazAvtoZhol JSC or solely to the absence of certain engineering elements without analyzing each accident is incorrect," the company stated.
The statement notes that responsibility for road safety is shared among road services, police, local executive bodies, animal owners, carriers, and road users themselves.
KazAvtoZhol is ready to consider proposals from public organizations and citizens regarding specific road sections. For this, the company suggests providing precise data: the road name and kilometer; the circumstances of the accident (photo and video materials); and information about the presumed infrastructure risk.
As for the placement of plaques, signs, toys, and flowers near the operator's office, KazAvtoZhol has filed a request with the police regarding this matter.
The company emphasized that it does not shirk responsibility for the condition of national highways and will continue its work to improve their safety.