Summary
Aircraft Pilots and Related Associate Professionals (KeSCO 3153) supports outcomes in the Transport & Logistics 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
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
Transport & LogisticsTechnical ServicesOperations SupportField ServicesQuality/ComplianceMaintenance
Description
Aircraft Pilots and Related Associate Professionals (KeSCO 3153) supports outcomes in the Transport & Logistics 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.
Employment prospects
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.
Tasks
- Gather and analyse user requirements and translate into specifications
- Design system components, data flows, and integrations
- Develop, test, and deploy software/features or configuration changes
- Maintain systems, troubleshoot issues, and resolve incidents
- Implement security controls and good practices (access, backups, patching)
- Monitor performance, reliability, and availability; optimise where needed
- Document technical work, user guides, and operational procedures
- Support users through training, helpdesk, and troubleshooting
- Collaborate using version control, code reviews, and agile workflows
- Ensure data protection, privacy, and compliance requirements
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
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 skills
- Computer applications and productivity tools
- Systems analysis and design
- Programming/software development fundamentals
- Database concepts (SQL/NoSQL basics)
- Networking fundamentals
- Cybersecurity basics (access control, safe coding, patching)
- Testing/QA and debugging
- Version control and collaboration workflows
- API/integration concepts
- Cloud fundamentals and deployment basics
- Data analysis fundamentals
- Documentation and technical writing
Transferable 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
Certifications
- Vendor-neutral cybersecurity/networking certifications (role dependent)
- Cloud platform fundamentals certifications (role dependent)
- Database certifications (role dependent)
- Software testing/QA certifications (optional)
- Secure coding and application security training (optional)
Education
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
Pathways
- 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
Relevant courses
- Certificate/Diploma/Degree in Information Technology
- Computer Science / Software Engineering
- Information Systems
- Data Science / Statistics fundamentals
- Networking (CCNA-aligned content)
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Database Administration
- Cloud Computing fundamentals
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Web and Mobile Development
- DevOps fundamentals
- AI/ML fundamentals
- UI/UX Design fundamentals
Institutions
- 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)
Minimum 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
Work context
Workplace policies | Team collaboration | Quality standards | Workshop/lab | Field support | Equipment handling | Inspections
Where they work
- ICT companies, public and private organisations, start-ups, innovation hubs and outsourcing firms.
Work setting
Not specified.
Schedule
Full-time commonDaytime hours commonDeadlines possible
Employment type
Formal employment possible
Earnings
Entry level
KES 30,000 – 80,000
Mid level
KES 80,000 – 150,000
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 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
3153-32 — Aerial Crop Sprayer
3153-26 — Air Traffic Safety Technician
3153-12 — Captain, aircraft
3153-15 — Cargo and Service Aircraft Pilot
3153-27 — Controller, air traffic
3153-25 — Engineer, maintenance/aircraft
3153-24 — Flight Engineer
3153-21 — Flight Navigator
3153-33 — Flying Instructor
3153-22 — Navigation officer, flight
3153-11 — Passenger Aircraft Pilot
3153-16 — Pilot, aerial surveys
3153-17 — Pilot, agricultural aircraft
3153-18 — Pilot, air force
3153-13 — Pilot, aircraft/commercial
3153-14 — Pilot, helicopter
3153-28 — Rigger, parachute