The announcement ends a strike over unpaid wages that began on 22 December but six players, including opener Stuart Matsikenyeri, declined deals.

Andy Blignaut, a strong candidate for the vacant captaincy, is among the 16.

"We are happy that the technical and players' welfare committee has made so much progress," said Zimbabwe Cricket boss Ozias Bvute in a statement.

"We need to start serious preparations for the tour by Kenya later this month."

Kenya are scheduled to play three one-day internationals in Zimbabwe, who last month voluntarily suspended Test status until early 2007.

It's good news not only for Zimbabwe, but for us as well Cricket Kenya's Tom Tikolo

However a tour to the West Indies scheduled for May is in serious doubt.

Batsman Hamilton Masakadza, a student at Free State University in South Africa, has asked for study leave and is available for selection on a tour-by-tour basis.

Veteran bowlers Douglas Hondo, Mluleki Nkala, plus Gavin Ewing, and Tinashe Panyangara will be considered for contracts after medical assessment.

The Zimbabwe government took control of cricket on January 6 in the wake of the player strike and investigations into allegations of financial mismanagement by ZC.

The struggling team have lost seven of their last 10 Tests by an innings, and been defeated in 26 of their last 28 one-day internationals.

Kenya will leave for Harare on 20 February and officials said the step would improve their chances of making the ICC Champions Trophy in October.

"It's good news not only for Zimbabwe, but for us as well," said Cricket Kenya chief executive Tom Tikolo.

"That Zimbabwe have solved their problems, especially with the playing unit, gives us all the hope to lay a claim on the one-day rankings."

The two sides could also play a one-day series in Bangladesh in March.