Authorities in Juja, Kiambu County have halted swimming and fishing activities at a dam where two university students drowned on Sunday.

Juja Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Ndege said the area security agencies will do an assessment at the Mugutha dam before condoning the area for the activities.

The Sunday incident happened during a fun day out at the popular ‘park and chill’ spot off Thika Road in Mugutha, Juja sub-county.

The victims are students of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture Technology (JKUAT).

They were identified as Dansteph Matoke, 21 and Abel Mikaye, 22 who were out for a fun day of swimming at the dam.

The bodies were retrieved from the dam by Kiambu County divers on Sunday and moved to the General Kago Funeral Home in Thika.

“The area, known for its scenic dam and loved by outdoor enthusiasts, is considered particularly dangerous. This is because motorists often park on a slope overlooking the water to enable them to have a good view,” stated Ndege.

He noted with concern the area has no security measures put in place including life-savers adding that there are no divers at the dam.

The DCC warned those venturing there for fun to be cautious as it was not the first time such a tragedy happened there.

The recreational site gained media attention in January 2023 when a man and a woman died after their car plunged into the dam.

According to locals, the couple had been enjoying themselves near the dam when tragedy struck.

A resident, Gabriel Mwangi said the area is usually thronged by revelers most of whom are young and middle-aged adding that besides posing a threat, the dam has created jobs for local youths as well as nearby hotels.

“We however need urgent intervention by relevant authorities to put in place safety measures to end and avoid loss of lives,” stated Mwangi.

Empty alcohol bottles, shisha bongs and used condoms scattered along the banks of the dam suggest the area is a popular partying spot, often frequented by revelers.#

After the 2023 drowning incident, the area was fenced off, and a restaurant and bar were set up inside.

Motorists would be charged some Sh100 to access the area, which also provided Wi-Fi to revelers.

Murera ward MCA Moses Ngatha said that he’ll petition the Kiambu County Government to fence the dam as well as others in the area and erect signages warning revelers and locals against swimming or fishing.