Kaoma is a town in Zambia. It is the headquarters of Kaoma District in the Western Province and is located on the M9 Road.

History

Kaoma has previously been known by other names including: Nkoya, Mankoya, Mankoye, Nankoya, Nunkoya. The official name of the town was changed to Kaoma in 1964. The name Nkoya came from the first Zambian ethnic group to settle in the area around the 6th century. The Nkoya people can be found in Kaoma and the surrounding areas such as Mumbwa, Mulobezi, Kazungula, Mungulula (Mongu), Kalabo, Lukulu amongst other districts. The Nkoya people celebrate an annual traditional ceremony called the Kazanga Ceremony, which is held between April and August in Kaoma District, under Chief Mwene Mutondo and Chief Kahare of the Nkoya people.

Population

In 2006, the population of Kaoma was estimated at 14,200. Kaoma is now divided into three districts namely Kaoma, Nkeyema and Luampa.

Geography

Location

Kaoma is located approximately 460 km, by road, west of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia and its largest city. At Kaoma, the Lusaka-Mongu Road (M9), meets the Kaoma-Kasempa Road (D301). This location lies west of Kafue National Park. The coordinates of the town are: 14 48 00S, 24 48 00E (Latitude: -14.8000; Longitude: 24.8000).

Climate

Kaoma has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cwa) characterized by warm to hot temperatures and clear wet and dry seasons. October and November are the hottest months, while June and July are the coolest months, having cool nights. The wet season, from November to March, experiences significant rainfall, while the dry season, from May to October, is marked by reduced precipitation.

Landmarks

The landmarks within the town of Kaoma or close to its borders include the following:

New district hospital

A new district hospital is under construction to replace the old buildings of the old hospital, which was constructed in the 1950s. Funding for the new hospital is through donations from overseas charitable organizations including: