Freetown: Statistics Sierra Leone has stepped up stakeholder engagement across target districts, strengthening public awareness, trust, and readiness for the 2026 Mock Population and Housing Census. The outreach is underway in selected chiefdoms, sections, and communities in Falaba, Karene, Kenema, Pujehun, Western Rural, and Western Urban. The exercise is designed to improve public understanding of the mock census and support effective implementation.

According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the mock census is a major preparatory activity for the National Population and Housing Census scheduled for December 2026. Regional Publicity Officers are leading engagements with key community stakeholders in their respective areas. In the Eastern Region, Manser Yongai met stakeholders in Dodo Chiefdom, Kenema District. In Western Rural, Alpha Paul Kamara engaged residents and stakeholders in Fabaina Community. In Western Urban, Augustine Kendeh conducted outreach in Hill Station Community. In the Southern Region, Grace Okekearu engaged stakeholders in Pujehun District. Similar engagements are also ongoing in Falaba and Karene districts.

The meetings bring together Paramount Chiefs, Section Chiefs, Village Heads, religious leaders, youth leaders, Mammy Queens, and other influential community representatives who play an important role in sharing accurate information and mobilising local communities. The engagement process is also intended to prepare communities ahead of the deployment of Mock Census Mapping Officers.

Through sustained collaboration with local leaders and stakeholders, Statistics Sierra Leone aims to build public confidence, encourage active participation, and ensure successful implementation of the mock census nationwide.