Fifteen wickets fell on the opening day at the Riverside, as Kent closed 103 runs behind Durham at 43-5.
This was despite 100 minutes being lost to rain and Durham compiling an opening partnership of 58.
Robbie Joseph took wickets in each of his first two overs and another in the first over of his second spell.
Martin Saggers took the last four wickets for five runs in 19 balls but Durham's first change Mark Davies soon wreaked havoc in the Kent top order.
Batting looked tricky at the outset, but after seven runs had come from four overs, rain prevented any further play until 1320 BST.
Michael Di Venuto took three off-side fours in an over off Ryan McLaren to take the total past 50, but when Kent made a double change, Joseph struck with his third ball.
Amjad Khan claimed the prize wicket of Shivnarine Chanderpaul when the West Indian left-hander pushed forward and was caught low at second slip.
Kent had 22 overs to bat and Davies quickly rattled Joe Denly's middle stump with his second ball.
Davies also removed Matt Walker, who was lbw offering no stroke and finally bowled nightwatchman Saggers to finish with remarkable figures of 3-7 from five overs.
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