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Unit Group (L4) • 3121

3121 — Mining and Drilling Supervisors

3 TECHNICIANS AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL› 31 Science and Engineering Associate Professionals› 312 Mining, Manufacturing and Construction Supervisors› 3121 Mining and Drilling Supervisors

Explore overview, tasks, skills, education, work context, earnings, and pathways for this Unit Group.

L4 CODE: 3121
Job summary
  • Mining and Drilling Supervisors (KeSCO 3121) supports outcomes in the Technical & Associate Professionals sector by applying job-specific knowledge
  • standards
  • and tools to deliver quality services or outputs. Duties and complexity vary by employer
  • work setting
  • and seniority level
  • but the occupation generally requires reliability
  • competence
  • and continuous learning.
Minimum entry requirement summary
Diploma or Certificate
Future outlook
  • Future trends such as digital transformation
  • automation
  • climate resilience
  • and changing consumer needs are shaping most occupations. Workers who continuously upskill (digital literacy
  • quality standards
  • safety
  • customer service
  • and modern tools) are more resilient and competitive.
Sectors and industries
Technical & Associate ProfessionalsTechnical ServicesOperations SupportField ServicesQuality/ComplianceMaintenance
Employment prospects (narrative)
  • Prospects depend on national and county demand
  • sector investment
  • policy priorities
  • and supply of trained workers. Job seekers improve prospects by gaining practical experience
  • building a portfolio or track record
  • earning relevant certifications
  • and being flexible on location and sub-sector.
Key tasks (structured)
  • Set goals, plans, and performance targets aligned to organisational strategy
  • Develop budgets, allocate resources, and monitor utilisation
  • Supervise staff: assign duties, coach performance, and conduct appraisals
  • Coordinate inter-departmental work and manage stakeholder expectations
  • Oversee policy implementation, governance, and compliance requirements
  • Manage projects and programmes: planning, execution, monitoring, reporting
  • Monitor risks, implement controls, and respond to incidents or crises
  • Strengthen service delivery through process improvement and innovation
  • Oversee procurement/contract management and vendor performance
  • Represent the organisation in meetings, negotiations, and public engagements
  • Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and accountability requirements
  • Promote ethical conduct, transparency, and a results-oriented culture
Core skills
  • Communication (verbal and written)
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Time management and prioritisation
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Customer service orientation
  • Integrity and ethical conduct
  • Adaptability and continuous learning
  • Decision-making and judgement
  • Documentation and record-keeping
  • Digital literacy (basic)
  • Safety awareness and compliance mindset
Technical / occupational skills
  • Use of hand and power tools safely
  • Installation, maintenance, and repair procedures
  • Reading drawings/specifications and measurements
  • Troubleshooting and fault diagnosis
  • Quality control and workmanship standards
  • Equipment handling and preventive maintenance
  • Workplace safety and PPE usage
  • Basic electrical/mechanical principles (as relevant)
  • Material handling and storage
  • Site readiness and task planning
  • Compliance with standards and inspections
Transferable / soft skills
  • Leadership and supervision (as one progresses)
  • Negotiation and stakeholder management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Presentation and public speaking
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Planning and organisation
  • Resilience and stress management
  • Service mindset and empathy
  • Networking and relationship building
  • Analytical thinking
  • Professionalism and work discipline
Skills & competencies (general description)
  • Prospects depend on national and county demand
  • sector investment
  • policy priorities
  • and supply of trained workers. Job seekers improve prospects by gaining practical experience
  • building a portfolio or track record
  • earning relevant certifications
  • and being flexible on location and sub-sector.
Certifications, licenses & registration
  • Trade test / competency certification (where applicable)
  • Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) certification (strongly recommended)
  • Equipment-specific operator certification (where applicable)
  • First Aid certification (recommended in many workplaces)
Education & training pathways (narrative)
  • TVET certificate/artisan programme aligned to the occupation
  • Diploma programme for more advanced technical roles
  • Attachment/industrial training/apprenticeship
  • Competency assessment/trade test (where applicable)
  • Experience-based progression into senior technician/foreman/supervisor roles
Education pathways (structured)
  • TVET certificate/artisan programme aligned to the occupation
  • Diploma programme for more advanced technical roles
  • Attachment/industrial training/apprenticeship
  • Competency assessment/trade test (where applicable)
  • Experience-based progression into senior technician/foreman/supervisor roles
Minimum entry requirements
  • Minimum education: Diploma or Certificate
  • Basic literacy and numeracy (reading, writing, and basic calculations)
  • Good conduct, reliability, and professional behaviour
  • Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and workplace rules
  • Basic digital literacy where the role uses computers/phones
  • Physical/medical fitness where the role is physically demanding or safety-sensitive
  • Regulatory registration/licensing where required (profession-dependent)
  • Background checks/clearance for sensitive roles where applicable
Relevant courses to consider
  • Diploma/Certificate in Electrical/Electronics Engineering
  • Diploma/Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil/Construction Technology
  • Welding and Fabrication
  • Plumbing and Pipefitting
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
  • Automotive Mechanics
  • Plant/Machine Operation
  • Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
  • CAD/Draughting basics
Institutions where to learn
  • Universities (accredited public and private universities offering relevant programmes)
  • National Polytechnics and TVET institutions (diploma, certificate, artisan programmes)
  • Technical Training Institutes and Vocational Centres
  • Professional Colleges and Accredited Training Academies
  • Sector Training Authorities and Recognised Centres of Excellence
  • Employer-based Academies and Apprenticeship Programmes
  • Online Learning Platforms (supplementary; verify recognition for regulated fields)
  • Industry Associations and Professional Bodies (short courses/CPD)
Work environment & conditions (narrative)
  • Workplace policies
  • Team collaboration
  • Quality standards
  • Workshop/lab
  • Field support
  • Equipment handling
  • Inspections
Typical employers / places of work
  • Public sector institutions
  • private companies
  • NGOs and community-based organisations depending on the sector.
Work setting
Not specified.
Work schedule
Full-time commonDaytime hours commonDeadlines possible
Employment type
Formal employment possible
Salary ranges
Entry
KES 30,000 – 80,000
Mid
KES 80,000 – 150,000
Senior
KES 150,000+
Earnings, wages & prospects (narrative)
  • Entry-level typical range (illustrative): KES 30,000 – 80,000
  • Mid-level typical range (illustrative): KES 80,000 – 150,000
  • Senior/experienced typical range (illustrative): KES 150,000+
  • Earnings vary by employer (public/private), location, allowances, commissions, overtime, risk factors, and scarcity of skills
How to become one
  • Study in a technical or vocational programme
  • complete industrial attachments and build experience in applied technical roles.
Career progression
  • Entry/Intern → Junior Practitioner → Mid-level → Senior Specialist
  • Senior Specialist → Team Lead/Principal → Manager/Head of Unit (where applicable)
  • Some pathways include consultancy, research, training, or policy roles
Related & alternative occupations
  • Other occupations within the same KeSCO major group
  • Support roles in the same sector/industry
  • Supervisory roles related to this occupation’s work area
  • Specialist variants of the same occupation (where they exist)
Occupation titles
3121-18 — Gas Supervisor
3121-11 — Mine Deputy
3121-12 — Mine Supervisor
3121-17 — Overman, Colliery
3121-13 — Spervisor Under- ground Mine
3121-16 — Supervisor and Foreman, Mineral Treating
3121-15 — Supervisor Foreman, well drilling
3121-14 — Supervisor Quarry