The government has banned all activities at Titanic Dam in Juja, Kiambu County, following the death of two Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) students who drowned while swimming.
A government’s multi-agency team cordoned the area for any activities after a tour and an assessment in the area.
The dam will now be under 24-hour surveillance by county security officers alongside police who have been mandated to stop anyone from parking and chilling in the area.
This follows the death of four people in the dam under a time frame of just one month. In the recent incident on Sunday, March 2, two JKUAT students drowned during a fun day out at the popular ‘park and chill’ spot off Thika Road in Mugutha.
The students have been identified as Dansteph Matoke, 21, and Abel Mikaye, 22, who were out for a fun day of swimming at the dam.
Speaking after the assessment, Assistant County Commissioner Mwangi wa Mwangi noted that only licensed hoteliers will be allowed to operate. The area is usually thronged by revellers, most of whom are young and middle-aged and have been posing a threat to the revellers.
Empty alcohol bottles, shisha bongs, and used condoms are usually scattered along the banks of the dam, suggesting the area is a popular partying spot, often frequented by revellers.
Mwangi’s sentiments were echoed by Geoffrey Njoroge, who insisted that the area will be fully protected to prevent further loss of lives.
Meanwhile, Peter Matoke, the father of Dansteph Matoke, lauded banning of activities around the dam to avert loss of more lives. He told journalists that burial preparations have begun but called on well-wishers to support the family bury their kin.
