Kounahiri Department was created in 2005 as a second-level subdivision via a split-off from
Mankono Department. At its creation, it was part of
Worodougou Region. In 2011,
districts were introduced as new first-level subdivisions of Ivory Coast. At the same time, regions were reorganised and became second-level subdivisions and all departments were converted into third-level subdivisions. At this time, Kounahiri Department became part of
Béré Region in
Woroba District. ==Notes==