Minister Kenyeh Barlay Urges Nationwide Support for 2026 Census
Sierra Leone has officially launched the 50-day countdown to the 2026 Population and Housing Census, with the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, calling on government institutions, development partners, community leaders, the media and citizens to support the national exercise.
Barlay made the call on Monday, October 12, 2026, during the launch ceremony at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, where she emphasised the importance of reliable population and housing data in national development planning, resource allocation and public service delivery.
She explained that the census would help the government determine development priorities and identify communities with limited access to essential services, including education, healthcare, water supply, infrastructure and employment opportunities.
Highlighting the theme, “No One Left Behind,” Barlay stressed the need to ensure that every individual and community is represented, particularly those in remote settlements, persons with disabilities and other groups facing barriers to participation.
The Minister commended Statistics Sierra Leone for its preparations and called for stronger coordination among ministries, departments and agencies, local councils, development partners, community leaders and the media to ensure the successful conduct of the exercise.
She also urged the media to educate the public, address misconceptions and provide accurate information about the census, while encouraging citizens to welcome enumerators and provide the required information.
Barlay said the census would provide a clearer picture of Sierra Leone’s population and housing conditions, enabling evidence-based decision-making and improved delivery of public services.
The 2026 Population and Housing Census reference night is scheduled for December 1, with enumeration expected to begin on December 2, 2026. The exercise is expected to generate essential data for national planning, resource allocation and monitoring development priorities across the country.
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