KENT have completed their hand of summer signings with the capture of 27-year-old all-rounder Justin Kemp as their second overseas player for 2005.

The Northerns and Eastern Province player becomes the fifth South African on a new look staff roster at St Lawrence following in the footsteps of director of cricket Graham Ford and players Andrew Hall, Martin van Jaarsveld and Matt Dennington.

Kemp has played just three Tests but caught the imagination of British cricket followers with exciting knocks in last winter’s one-day series against England where his 50-ball innings of 80 decided the series in east London.

He had two previous stints with Worcestershire in 2003 where, ironically, he stood in for Andrew Hall and averaged mid-20s with bat and ball in six championship appearances.

Kemp said: "I am very excited at the prospect of playing for Kent. I hope I can make a real contribution this season and help play a part in the longer term development of the club."

Ford, who gave Kemp his Test match debut against Sri Lanka during his stint as South Africa coach, explained the reasoning behind his decision to plump for another all-rounder rather than an out-and-out strike bowler.

He said: "There are a lot of considerations that go into an overseas signing, like the budget, the needs of the side, creating strength in depth and competition for places and bringing good character into the dressing room.

"We’ve made an encouraging start to the season in many ways but I want cover in certain areas in case of England calls or injury and to give the captain extra options on the park."

Ford added: "We did a lot of looking around and considered a strike bowling option, but top fast bowlers are not usually available for long periods of time, their countries almost always put a limitation on how long they bowl and they come at great cost.

"Justin has good all-round skills and has a lot to offer us. He’s been in the national side and is in a similar situation to Andrew Hall in that he has a point to prove.

"He’s not just coming to pick up the money he’s here to try and make a huge impact.

"Justin is particularly strong in one-day cricket which England found to their cost in the winter and he’s a clean striker of the ball, he’s certainly no 'slogger', he plays proper cricket shots and if he gets going Kent fans will have a treat in store."

* JUSTIN KEMP INTERVIEW. Listen to Kent's new man talking to kmfm's Dan Palmer...