Ouma, 26, is a bold choice to lead Kenya © AFP
Related Links Players/Officials: Jimmy Kamande | Maurice Ouma Series/Tournaments: ICC Intercontinental Cup Teams: Kenya

Kenya have appointed Maurice Ouma, the dynamic wicketkeeper batsman, as their new captain to replace the long-standing Steve Tikolo. Ouma's first duty will be to lead Kenya in their first match of the ICC Intercontinental Cup, against Ireland in July.

Thomas Odoyo was overlooked in the 15-man squad, while Rajesh Bhudia makes way for David Obuya, who has been in encouraging form lately.

Tikolo, 37, stepped down in April but insisted he will still play for Kenya, this time under Ouma's watch. Ouma, 26, has played 43 ODIs for Kenya and has cracked three fifties. He laced 114 last year in Kenya's Intercontinental Cup fixture against Netherlands.

Jimmy Kamande, the 30-year-old offspinner, was named Ouma's deputy.

Kenya squad: Maurice Ouma (capt), Jimmy Kamande (vice-capt), Kennedy Obuya, Alex Obanda, Steve Tikolo, Collins Obuya, Thomas Odoyo, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Lameck Ngoche, Peter Ongondo, Hiren Varaiya, Rakep Patel, Elijah Otieno, Seren Waters, David Obuya