Here is a different answer, using Se SendKeys() method.

Observing how typing a date manually worked, this solution was arrived at:

Working on how to get the date picker icon accessed. It's tricky but when it's figured out, will post it here and in this other link:

Another SO Post for Date Formatting with Se

Just tinker with other date formats. Note, lower case m, mm, etc. is minutes for the Kendo date picker. Has to be caps MM, MMM for month.

After the 2 digit date is entered, the picker skips to the month section. Characters can be sent for the month or 1-12 for Jan - Dec can be used. MMM auto converts 1-12 to the 3 character month value.

Just set up an Se test to figure out anything else.

'I'll be back...' with the date picker icon solution.