The Titanic Dam in Juja, once a popular recreational spot for outdoor enthusiasts, has now become a site of sorrow and tragedy. The picturesque dam, which was once a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors, has gained a sinister reputation due to a series of fatal accidents caused by its dangerous currents.
The most recent tragedy occurred when two university students from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Dansteph Matoke, 21, and Abel Mikaye, 22, drowned while swimming in the dam. Their deaths have highlighted the grave dangers posed by the dam’s deep and unpredictable waters. In response to these incidents, local authorities have imposed a ban on swimming and fishing activities at the site.
Despite the ban, the lack of adequate safety measures has left residents and visitors vulnerable. There are no lifeguards or divers stationed at the dam, and the absence of clear regulations has made it difficult to ensure safety for everyone. In light of this, residents of the area have taken matters into their own hands. They have erected warning signs and banners around the dam, urging people to stay away from the dangerous waters. Additionally, a community-led sensitization campaign has been launched to raise awareness about the risks associated with the dam, especially among young visitors who often come for recreational purposes.
Area MCA Ngatha Wambiri has called for greater collaboration with local authorities, including the police, to enforce safety regulations and respond swiftly to emergencies. Wambiri also emphasized the importance of installing proper safety infrastructure, such as lifeguard stations, to prevent future fatalities.
The Titanic Dam, which gained media attention in January 2023 after a car accident that claimed the lives of a couple, has once again become a focal point for concerns about public safety. As the community works together to prevent further loss of life, it remains clear that more must be done to make the dam a safer place for all.
