Andre Adams took 3-24 as Notts restricted Kent to 363-5 at close of play on Day Two at Canterbury.
Geraint Jones retired on 104 and Darren Stevens hit 52 before he was dismissed by Andy Carter.
Mark Footitt (1-54) demonstrated his return to fitness with a tidy spell while Alex Blake registered an unbeaten 85.
The two sides will contest a 50-over game on Friday.