A series of molecular signals that starts with the binding of stem cell factor to the tyrosine kinase receptor KIT on the surface of a cell, and ends with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription. Stem cell factor (KIT ligand) binding to the receptor Kit mediates receptor dimerization, activation of its intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and autophosphorylation. The activated receptor then phosphorylates various substrates, thereby activating distinct signaling cascades within the cell that trigger a change in state or activity of the cell.