Kenya hire Zimbabwean as cricket supremo

NAIROBI (AFP) - Kenya have appointed former Zimbabwe cricket coach Robin Brown as head of its national elite programme to oversee the development of the game from the grassroots to the top level.

The programme which is aimed at strengthening the structure of the sport, was initiated last year by the outgoing Cricket Kenya chief executive Tom Sears after Kenya's dismal performance in the 2011 World Cup.

Sears, who is set to leave his post at the end of June said the appointment of Brown as head of elite development will be a huge benefit in many areas.

"Robin is a vastly experienced coach who has played and coached at the highest level and is highly respected in the game," said Sears.

"His primary role will be to ensure we are identifying the best players in our system from junior level right through to our Emerging Players squad and ensuring they receive all the coaching and support they need to fulfil their potential."

Brown played seven one-dayers for Zimbabwe between 1983 and 1987 and was appointed coach to replace compatriot Kevin Curran in 2007. He left the post after only one year.