A 90-run partnership between captain Morris Ouma (52) and vice-captain Jimmy Kamande (75) ensured Kenya of first innings lead against the Netherlands in their Intercontinental Cup match at Nairobi Gymkhana. With this were earned six bonus points.

But their stand came after three Kenya wickets fell for just nine runs in the early morning session.

Nightwatchman Hiren Varaiya was out lbw without bothering the scorers and the day before's century-maker David Obuya caught behind for 115 without adding to his overnight score. Alex Obanda was out for three, tapping the ball gently to give mid-on Bas Zuiderent the simplest of catches.

For Ouma and Kamande it was a reprise of their partnership in Ireland last July when they came together in an essential partnership. Ouma played carefully, while Kamande wa the more aggressive.

Had one of them fallen, Kenya would have been in danger of total collapse and forfeiting first innings points to the Dutch. As it was, from 244 for 5 the couple took the score to 334 off 87 overs before Ouma was caught behind.

Eventually the score was taken to 433 all out, a lead of 48, with the help of an accomplished 50 not out from pace bowler Nehemiah Odhiambo.

But all this effort was more or less put to waste when Kenya continued to field almost as poorly as they had in the first innings. This included a missed run out that the average man's mother-in-law would have been able to accomplish without falling over her own feet.

The Kenyans appeared to have no game plan for the extended final session, allowing the Netherlands openers Alexei Kervazee and Eric Szwarczynski to do as they pleased. This led to the visitors establishing a 130-run lead, finishing the day on178 with all their wickets intact.