Kailahun District

Kailahun District is a district in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone. Its capital and largest city is the town of Kailahun. The second most populous city in the district is Segbwema. Other major towns include Koindu, Pendembu, and Daru. As of the 2015 census, the district had a population of 525,372 people.

The district borders Kenema District to the west, Kono District to the north, the Republic of Liberia to the east, and the Republic of Guinea to the north. The Moa River forms part of the border with Guinea. The total area of Kailahun District is 3,940 km².

Farming, diamond mining, and trade are the main economic activities. Most people in the district are Muslims, but there is also a significant Christian minority. Kailahun District is a strong support area for the Sierra Leone People's Party, the current ruling party. The district is also the birthplace of former president Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, who was born in Pendembu.

Government and politics

Kailahun District uses a district council form of government. It is led by a District Council Chairman, who is chosen by the people every four years. The current chairman is Sahr Ahmed Lamin from the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), which won the 2018 election easily.

The district strongly supports the SLPP, the ruling party in Sierra Leone. In elections, the SLPP usually wins with large majorities. For example, in the 2018 Presidential election, the SLPP candidate Julius Maada Bio received 89% of the votes in Kailahun District.

Radio

Kailahun District has a few local radio stations that help people stay informed and connected. These include Radio Moa FM 105.5 Kailahun, SLBC 95.1, and Radio Kissi Bendu FM 107.3 Koindu. Listening to the radio is a great way to learn what's happening in the community.

Demographics

Most people in Kailahun District belong to the Mende ethnic group. But the district also has many people from other groups, including Mandingo, Kissi, Fula, Gola, and Vai. In the villages and small towns near the border with the Republic of Liberia, the Vai, Kissi, and Gola groups make up most of the population.

Economy

Kailahun has a mixed economy with small-scale mining and farming. Important crops include coffee, cacao, and rice. The local government collects property taxes with help from the Revenue Development Foundation.

Administrative divisions

Chiefdoms

Major towns

Kailahun District has several important towns. The largest city is Segbwema. The district headquarters is Kailahun. Other major towns include Pendembu, Koindu, and Daru. There is also a place called Bunumbu ETU-SL.

Pre-2017 Prior to the 2017 local administrative reorganization, Kailahun District was made up of fourteen chiefdoms as the third level of administrative subdivision. Dea – Baiwala Jaluahun – Segbwema Jawei – Daru Kissi Kama – Dea Kissi Teng – Kangama Kissi Tongi – Buedu Luawa – Kailahun Malema – Jojoima Mandu – Mobai Peje Bongre – Manowa Peje West – Bunumbu Penguia – Sandar Upper Bambara – Pendembu Yawei – Bandajuma

Post-2017 After the 2017 local administrative reorganization, Kailahun District has made up of fifteen chiefdoms as the third level of administrative subdivision. Dea – Baiwala Jahn(Gbeika) – ? Jaluahun – Segbwema Jawei – Daru Kissi Kama – Dea Kissi Teng – Kangama Kissi Tongi – Buedu Luawa – Kailahun Malema – Jojoima Mandu – Mobai Peje Bongre – Manowa Peje West – Bunumbu Penguia – Sandar Upper Bambara – Pendembu Yawei – Bandajuma Notes Formerly part of Jaluahun Chiefdom.

Notable people from Kailahun District

Kailahun District has been home to several important people. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah served as the President of Sierra Leone. Steady Bongo is a well-known Sierra Leonean musician. Hindowa Momoh was once the President of the National Union of Sierra Leone Students. Robin Faley is a politician and represents Segbwema in government.