By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu | Bo City
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has commenced a 10-day intensive Mock Census training programme for prospective census officers as part of nationwide preparations for the 2026 Population and Housing Census, scheduled for December.
The training, which began on 2 July and will conclude on 11 July 2026 in Bo City, has brought together more than 50 carefully selected participants from the South-Eastern Region. The programme is designed to simulate real census operations, providing trainees with practical field experience while testing operational systems ahead of the nationwide enumeration.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Southern Regional Council Representative of Statistics Sierra Leone, Mohamed Kpana-Gbato Kemokai, described the Mock Census as a critical component of the country’s preparations for the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
He explained that the exercise is intended to test operational systems, digital technology, field procedures, logistics, and the readiness of census personnel before the commencement of the nationwide population count.
Mr. Kemokai noted that Statistics Sierra Leone is the government institution legally mandated to collect, analyze, and publish official national statistics, including the Population and Housing Census, which is conducted every ten years to provide accurate demographic, social, and economic data for national planning and development.
He explained that preparations for a national census begin well before the actual enumeration, starting with a Presidential Proclamation and followed by extensive planning activities, including cartographic mapping, recruitment and training of personnel, procurement of equipment, logistical arrangements, and nationwide public sensitization.
According to Mr. Kemokai, the Mock Census is the first exercise of its kind to be conducted in Sierra Leone and was introduced following recommendations made during the validation of the pilot census exercise.
He further disclosed that Statistics Sierra Leone continues to align its operations with internationally accepted standards and best practices, noting that the 2026 Population and Housing Census forms part of the United Nations’ 2030 Round of Population and Housing Censuses.
He revealed that international observers who monitored the pilot census recommended the implementation of a comprehensive Mock Census to further strengthen Sierra Leone’s preparedness before the nationwide enumeration.
Describing the significance of the exercise, Mr. Kemokai said the Mock Census serves as a full-scale rehearsal for the actual census.
“The Mock Census is essentially a full-scale simulation of the actual census. Unlike the pilot exercise, it focuses on selected chiefdoms in every region to thoroughly test the digital tools, operational procedures, and data collection methods that will be used during the nationwide census. It gives us the opportunity to identify and correct any weaknesses before the actual exercise begins,” he explained.
He stressed that the importance of the national census cannot be overstated, noting that census data provides the foundation for evidence-based national planning, equitable resource allocation, policy formulation, and monitoring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) over the next decade.
“We cannot afford errors in a decennial census. The information collected will influence development planning and government decision-making for the next ten years. This training gives officers the opportunity to learn, improve, and perfect their skills before the December enumeration,” he said.
The 2026 Population and Housing Census will mark a historic milestone as Sierra Leone’s first fully digital national census. Enumerators will use tablet computers equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and real-time data transmission systems, replacing the traditional paper-based methods previously used for census data collection.
Senior management officials of Statistics Sierra Leone also urged participants to approach the training with dedication, professionalism, and a strong sense of national service, reminding them that they would serve as the public face of the census in communities across the country.
The officials emphasized that integrity, impartiality, accuracy, and strict respect for respondents’ confidentiality are fundamental principles that every census officer must uphold throughout the exercise.
They further noted that the quality of data generated during the census will play a critical role in shaping Sierra Leone’s socio-economic planning, public policy, and national development priorities through to 2036.
At the end of the 10-day training programme, participants will undergo comprehensive theoretical and practical assessments. Only those who meet the required performance standards will be certified and deployed to participate in the nationwide 2026 Population and Housing Census scheduled for December.