JUJA, Kenya – The government has banned all recreational activities at Titanic Dam in Juja, a popular hangout spot known for “park and chill” gatherings, following the drowning of two university students.
The decision comes after the deaths of Abel Ontuga Mikaye and Dansteph Matoke, students from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), who drowned while swimming.
Their bodies were recovered by Kiambu County divers and taken to General Kago Funeral Home in Thika.
Authorities say the ban applies to a 100-meter radius around the dam and is being enforced by stationed police officers.
However, licensed operators will be allowed to continue their activities.
The ban follows an inspection by Juja security officials led by Assistant County Commissioner Mwangi wa Mwangi, who emphasized the need for action to prevent further loss of life.
“We have sat as a team, and all agreed that we need to address this situation because we do not want any other lives lost here,” Mwangi said.
A police report revealed that the dam has claimed four lives in 2025 alone, including a highly trained GSU officer from the Recce Squad.
In January 2023, the site made headlines when a vehicle plunged into the dam, killing both occupants.
Witnesses at the time suspected the couple had accidentally released the handbrake while parked near the water’s edge.
Local officials are urging residents to warn visitors about the dangers of swimming in the dam.
Security teams have now been deployed to monitor the area, with authorities vowing that previous incidents “will not be repeated.”
