Statistics Sierra Leone

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐋 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭

𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐰𝐢𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧
𝟏𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

In a significant step toward fostering an inclusive and people-centered national census, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has intensified its public engagement efforts through a Civic Town Hall Meeting held at the Karene District Council Hall.

The event, organized in collaboration with the The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), brought together a broad range of stakeholders within the district to deepen public understanding and participation in the upcoming 2026 Population and Housing Census.

The engagement attracted strong attendance from key community actors, including representatives of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Paramount and Regent Chiefs, Chiefdom Speakers, members of the security sector, the Chief Administrator of the Karene District Council, councilors, media practitioners, school pupils, university students, civil society organizations (CSOs), market women, and other residents.

Representing the 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧-𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚, provided detailed insights into the census process, emphasizing its importance in national planning, resource allocation, and evidence-based decision-making. He highlighted the need for active citizen participation and reassured residents of the confidentiality and integrity of the data collection process.

The interactive forum created an open platform for dialogue, allowing residents to ask questions, share concerns, and gain clarity on the census exercise. This approach underscores the institution's commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and community ownership of the census process.

The Civic Town Hall Meeting forms part of a broader nationwide awareness campaign aimed at mobilizing citizens and strengthening public trust ahead of the 2026 Census.

Statistics Sierra Leone continues to reaffirm its commitment to delivering a credible, accurate, and inclusive census that reflects the true demographic profile of the nation.

𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔:
𝐋𝐞𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐧 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐔 𝐎𝐡!

©️ 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐋 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐬 & 𝐏𝐑 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐋 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬

Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) with support from UNFPA Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a credible, inclusive, and people-centered 2026 Population and Housing Census, following the successful conclusion of a three-day self-evaluation workshop on the Pilot Census conducted in December 2025.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders and technical experts to critically assess the outcomes of the pilot exercise. This initiative forms part of broader preparatory efforts aimed at strengthening the quality, transparency, and reliability of the upcoming national census.

The primary objective of the workshop was to review operational and technical processes, identify strengths and gaps, and generate practical recommendations to enhance future census activities. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on administrative and field operations, data collection methodologies, logistics, stakeholder engagement, and the effective use of technology during the pilot phase.

Attendees included senior management and technical staff of Statistics Sierra Leone, census coordinators, district census officers, publicity officers, field supervisors and monitors, data analysts, subject matter specialists, representatives from key government ministries, departments and agencies, and members of the donor community.

In his remarks, the Statistician General of Stats SL, Andrew Bob Johnny, emphasized that the self-assessment exercise demonstrates the institution’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. He noted that lessons learned from the pilot census will play a critical role in refining strategies and ensuring the successful ex*****on of the main census enumeration in December 2026.

Also speaking at the workshop, the Quality Assurance Specialist of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Mr. Samuel Palmer, underscored the critical importance of a national census as a foundation for effective planning, resource allocation, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to supporting the Government of Sierra Leone and Statistics Sierra Leone in delivering a credible and inclusive census.

He further emphasized the importance of collaboration, capacity building, and the adoption of international best practices to ensure the success of the 2026 census.

Participants expressed satisfaction with the level of collaboration and openness throughout the workshop, highlighting the importance of collective ownership in national data processes. The interactive sessions provided a platform for sharing experiences, addressing challenges encountered during the pilot, and proposing innovative solutions.

The conclusions drawn from the workshop are expected to inform key decisions, including improvements in training, deployment strategies, public awareness campaigns, and data collection and management systems.

Statistics Sierra Leone remains steadfast in its mission to produce high-quality, timely, and reliable data to support national development planning and policy formulation. The successful completion of this self-evaluation workshop marks a significant milestone on the road to a more efficient and impactful census exercise.

©️ 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐋 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐬 & 𝐏𝐑 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭