Over 5000 Kwale beach operators and fishermen have opposed the government's proposed Diani-Chale Marine Reserve project.
This follows recent efforts by the Kenya Wildlife Services to engage residents on plans to develop the reserve.
The reserve is located 35km to the south of Mombasa and runs from Tiwi estuary in the north to Chale island.
The Diani-Chale Marine Reserve was gazetted in 1995 mainly to protect the endangered fish and coral reefs.
However, on Tuesday, hundreds of residents took to the streets to protest against the project they allege would render thousands of people jobless.
Led by Ali Zuga, the residents petitioned the national government for the immediate de-gazettement of the Diani-Chale Marine Reserve project arguing it is illegal.
"We don't recognise the project because proper procedures were not followed," he said.
Zuga said the Constitution calls for public participation, adding that none of the locals was involved.
They fear losing jobs because the government will take full control of the reserve once it is developed.
Zuga said the project will bring nothing but doom to their lives, that's why they strongly oppose it.
The beach operator said they learnt a lesson from the previous moves when the government developed Kisite-Mpunguti, adding the surrounding communities are complaining.
They are not ready to make the same mistake and the government should stop implementing the project.
Zuga urged Mining CS Salim Mvurya and his Tourism counterpart Alfred Mutua to consider their plight and address the issue.
He said many many people depend on the ocean for their livelihoods and the project would disrpt their income-generating activities.
The proposed Diani-Chale Marine Reserve area allows a wide range of activities including windsurfing, kite surfing, traditional dhow fishing tours, snorkelling, water sports and leisurely exercising in glass-bottomed boats.
Zuga said they fear Diani will lose its popularity as a world beach destination since tourists would keep off because of hiked prices once the government takes over.
Kwale Beach Management Unit chairman Mtengo Makame said the government should not force things but go back to the drawing board and discuss the issue with the locals.
He said proper public participation must be conducted and residents should be thoroughly engaged.
Makame alleged that the government has a hidden agenda because it is using divide-and-rule tactics.
"They are not transparent, when they come here they just meet a few of us and don't come out clearly on what they intend to do," he said.
Makame termed the move as a high level of injustice and must be condemned.
He said already the beach is managed by BMUs and they don't want a third party.
"The government brought the guidelines of co-managed areas and we complied. They should let us continue with what BMUs were doing," he said.
Curio seller Magruette Mwandhe said they are not ready to surrender the ocean for the proposed project.
She said the marine reserve project will largely interfere with their livelihoods.
Mwandhe said if the project proceeds their income will be cut since government will introduce many levies.
Massage operator Mercy June said they oppose the proposed marine reserve because it will not benefit them.
Last month, Governor Fatuma Achani urged the government to cancel the gazettement, terming it as unfair.
“We cannot have the entire area for marine reserve. Where will our people work?” she said.
On Wednesday Tourism Cabinet Secretary Mutua said that talks are ongoing to have the issue resolved.
He said next week the government will engage all stakeholders and come up with a permanent solution.
