NAIROBI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has settled on Paul Murunga to take charge of the Sevens rugby team as head coach on a two-year contract ahead of the new World Series circuit that starts in December.

Murunga becomes the sixth coach that will lead Kenya in seven years and will be replacing incumbent Innocent Simiyu, whose tenure expires at the end of October.

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chief Executive Officer Susan Kamau said on Saturday that Murunga will take charge of the team for another two years.

"We had 12 application and we shortlisted down to six coaches - four foreigners and two locals - for the interview," said Kamau in Nairobi.

"Murunga's experience in the team before is what stood out. His ability to handle a team locally and internationally is what sold us. He was Ayimba's assistant and that's when Kenya was the most successful having won Singapore and got to the Olympics," Kenya Rugby Union said.

Others who have guided Kenya in recent past include Englishman Mike Friday, Benjamin Ayimba, Paul Treu, Felix Ochieng and Simiyu.

Murunga faces a huge hole to fill and emulate the success his predecessor Simiyu had at the international scene.

Last year, Kenya finished in the World Series in position six with 104 points, a feat, Murunga will find difficult to surpass.