Kennett, who at one stage was the leading qualifier after setting a Games record, finished as the third fastest and will ride off against former world champion Jordan Kerby, of Australia.
Kennett's brief hold on the record was broken by Scot John Archibald, who in turn had his record broken by England's Charlie Tanfield. Archibald and Tanfield will fight out gold and silver.
Archibald's sister Katie Archibald earlier blazed across the line in three minutes 24.119 seconds to set a Games record in the women's 3000 metres individual pursuit.