Unit Group (L4) • 3154

3154 — Air Traffic Controllers

3 TECHNICIANS AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL› 31 Science and Engineering Associate Professionals› 315 Ship and Aircraft Controllers and Technicians› 3154 Air Traffic Controllers

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

L4 CODE: 3154

Job summary

Air Traffic Controllers (KeSCO 3154) 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 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

Transport & LogisticsTechnical 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)

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

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

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 / 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

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 & 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

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 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

ICT companies
public and private organisations
start-ups
innovation hubs and outsourcing firms.

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

3154-11 — Air Traffic Controller Specialist

3154-12 — Controller, air service

3154-13 — Other Air Traffic Controllers