The government has banned all activities at the Titanic Dam in Juja, Kiambu County, following a series of tragic drowning incidents, including the recent deaths of two university students.
The dam, commonly known as a “park and chill” spot, has become a popular recreation area for locals and students from nearby institutions, including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). However, concerns over safety have intensified after the drowning of Abel Ontuga Mikaye and Dansteph Matoke, both JKUAT students, who lost their lives while swimming in the dam.
In response, Juja security officials, led by Assistant County Commissioner Mwangi wa Mwangi, conducted an inspection and resolved to enforce strict measures to prevent further loss of life. Speaking to the press, Mwangi confirmed that a multi-agency team has been formed to ensure compliance with the ban and monitor the area.
“We have sat as a team and all agreed that we need to address this situation because we do not want any more lives lost here,” he said. “That is why we have put the team together, and going forward, I know that what has happened in the past will be history; it will not be repeated.”
The ban extends to a 100-metre radius around the dam and applies to all unauthorized persons, including civilians and students. However, licensed operators will be allowed to continue their activities under strict monitoring. Police officers have also been stationed in the area to enforce the directive.
Authorities have urged residents to discourage visitors from engaging in risky activities like swimming in the dam. “We regret that the two students did not know they were in danger. I want to urge the residents of this area to warn anyone coming in for a swim,” a local official said.
A police report confirmed that the dam has claimed four lives in 2025, including a highly trained GSU officer from the Recce squad. The victims’ bodies were retrieved by divers from Kiambu County and taken to the General Kago Funeral Home in Thika.
The Titanic Dam has been the scene of previous tragedies, notably in January 2023, when a car plunged into the water, killing both occupants. Witnesses reported that the couple had been parked near the edge for over an hour before the accident. It was suspected that they may have been under the influence of alcohol, leading to the accidental release of the vehicle’s handbrake.
With the new ban in place, officials hope to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety around the dam.
