(13 February 2026 | Source: Transparency International)
Kazakhstan lost two points in the annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) and ranked 96th out of 182 countries. For 2025, the country received 38 points compared to 40 points in 2024. Countries scoring below 50 points are considered highly corrupt.
The rating was published on 10 February 2026 by the international non-governmental organisation Transparency International, which annually assesses the perceived level of corruption in the public sector.
According to the organisation, the global average score is the lowest in over a decade. The study also points to a link between the quality of institutions and the level of corruption: more resilient democracies tend to achieve higher scores.
SCORES AND RANKING
Kazakhstan shared 96th place with Ethiopia and Suriname (both with 38 points).
Among countries in the region, the scores were distributed as follows:
- Georgia — 50 points;
- Uzbekistan — 31 points;
- Kyrgyzstan — 26 points;
- Russia — 22 points;
- Turkmenistan — 17 points.
The global ranking leaders were Denmark (89 points), Finland (88) and Singapore (84). At the bottom were South Sudan (9), Somalia (9) and Venezuela (10).
AREAS WITH LOWER SCORES
The Index is based on expert assessments and data from independent sources. In 2025, Kazakhstan’s rating was compiled using nine sources.
The country received its lowest scores in indicators related to democratic institutions and the system of checks and balances — governance, elections, the state of civil society, media independence and the judiciary. Relatively higher scores pertained to business conditions and risks.
The regional press release notes increased regulatory pressure on non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Concerns were also expressed regarding the disbandment of the anti-corruption agency and the transfer of its functions to the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KNB).
COMMENT FROM TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL KAZAKHSTAN
The Executive Director of Transparency International Kazakhstan, Murat Daniyar, stated that concentrating anti-corruption functions within closed security agencies could affect the level of independent oversight and accountability.
"Kazakhstan does not need 'show trials for the sake of reporting', but political will for systemic reforms and the protection of civic space. Without independent oversight and media freedom, sustainable anti-corruption is impossible," he noted.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Transparency International Kazakhstan recommends ensuring the institutional independence of anti-corruption policy and investigations, increasing the transparency of government decisions, guaranteeing freedom of speech and the safety of journalists, and making the asset recovery process as open as possible.