By Scott Heinrich BBC Sport at Edgbaston

Tikolo has captained Kenya in 24 matches

Steve Tikolo will quit the captaincy when Kenya return home from their failed Champions Trophy campaign.

Kenya were knocked out of the tournament by Pakistan at Edgbaston on Wednesday, and a weary-looking Tikolo admitted he would hand over the reins.

Tikolo, who has discussed it with the Kenyan management, said: "It is something I have been thinking about.

"I feel it is time for me to move on and let somebody else take up the mantle of leading the team," he said.

He plans to keep on playing.

"I spoke to the selectors back at home and they said we should let the case rest until I get back home," Tikolo said.

"I think there are other players in the team who are capable of stepping into my shoes.

"But I'll be around. I'm not retiring from cricket."

If two major teams were playing each other I don't think play would have continued in the rain Steve Tikolo

Tikolo led Kenya to the semi-finals of the 2003 World Cup, but has grown increasingly frustrated with his team's lack of opportunities at the top level.

He added: "With the scenario we have in Kenya and the lack of games we play, we can't feel optimistic any more."

Kenya had a disappointing Champions Trophy, losing to India by 98 runs and seven wickets to Pakistan.

Tikolo said: "We are disappointed with the way we performed.

"We had a good start up front but didn't capitalise and lost too many wickets in the middle."

Kenya lost the plot after a 20-minute rain delay, and Tikolo was upset his men were then made to bat on as light rain fell during their collapse.

"They are the conditions and you can't do much about it. But if two major teams were playing each other I don't think play would have continued.

"Obviously that should not be the case, but things have not been in our favour.

"It's been a disappointing series. But as I said, this will keep on happening if we don't play more."

Kenya face Namibia in an Intercontinental Cup fixture in early October, but apart from that, the competition cupboard is bare.

"Our next international fixture is not until the 2006 mini-World Cup," Tikolo lamented.