Sales Jobs in Kenya: Types, Pay and How to Get Hired

Updated 2026-11-10

Sales is one of the most advertised job families in Kenya and one of the easiest to enter: many roles hire on attitude and communication rather than a specific degree. It is also where jobseekers most often meet unfair offers. This guide covers the main kinds of sales jobs, how pay is structured, which roles need a licence, and how to tell a real sales job from a scheme.

A genuine employer never charges you to start a sales job. "Registration fees", paid "starter kits" and recruiting-others-to-earn arrangements are red flags. Walk away.

The main kinds of sales jobs in Kenya

FMCG sales representatives and merchandisers: selling and stocking consumer goods (beverages, food, household products) through supermarkets, distributors and dukas on a defined route. Often need a driving licence.
Bank sales and relationship officers: opening accounts and selling loans and cards; banks also use direct sales agents (DSAs) on contract.
Insurance agents and advisers: selling life, medical and general insurance, usually on commission. You need a licence (below).
Telecom and mobile money sales: dealer and distributor sales teams for airtime, devices, home internet and agents.
Car, real estate and equipment sales: high-value sales on large commissions; real estate agents must be registered (below).
Medical and pharmaceutical representatives: detailing products to doctors and pharmacies; employers usually want a science or pharmacy background.
B2B and tech sales: selling software, logistics or services to companies; titles include business development executive and account manager.
Retail sales assistants: shop-floor sales in supermarkets, electronics and fashion stores.

How sales pay works

Basic salary plus commission is the most common structure for employed sales staff: a fixed monthly basic, plus commission or a bonus when you hit targets.
Retainer plus commission: a small fixed retainer with most earnings from commission, common for agents and field sales.
Commission only: common for insurance agents, DSAs and some real estate roles. These are usually agency contracts, not employment, so there is no basic pay, no leave and no NSSF or SHA deductions by the company.
If you are employed, the Regulation of Wages Order sets the minimum basic wage for your occupation and town, and commission is on top of it. Ask in writing whether the offer is employment or an agency contract before you accept.
Ask how targets and commission are calculated, when commission is paid, and whether it is clawed back if a customer cancels. Employers usually explain this in the offer; see how sales commission is structured in Kenya and typical sales targets and KPIs.

Sales roles that need a licence

Insurance: insurance agents must be licensed by the Insurance Regulatory Authority. Insurers usually help new agents meet the training and exam requirements.
Real estate: estate agents must be registered with the Estate Agents Registration Board under the Estate Agents Act. Many real estate sales roles work under a registered agent or developer.
Most other sales roles need no licence, but FMCG and route sales roles often require a valid driving licence and a Certificate of Good Conduct.

How to get hired in sales

Show results in numbers on your CV: targets hit, accounts opened, units sold, territory grown. A short CV built around results beats a long list of duties.
Prepare for role-play: most sales interviews ask you to sell a product on the spot. Practise with common sales interview questions.
Know what the job involves before you apply; a sales representative job description shows what employers expect day to day.
Start where entry is open: retail sales assistant, merchandiser and DSA roles take school leavers and diploma holders and build a track record fast.

Red flags in sales job adverts

Any fee to apply, train, register or collect a "starter kit".
Pay that depends on recruiting other people rather than selling to customers. Pyramid schemes are illegal in Kenya.
No company name, no physical office, or interviews held in hotels and parks with groups of recruits.
Promises of guaranteed high income in weeks. More warning signs are in how to spot fake job offers.

Frequently asked questions

How much do sales jobs pay in Kenya?

Employed sales staff earn a basic salary, which cannot be below the minimum wage for their occupation and town, plus commission or bonuses on targets. Commission-only agent roles have no basic pay; earnings depend entirely on sales.

Do I need a degree for a sales job in Kenya?

Many sales jobs hire school leavers and diploma holders, especially retail, merchandising and direct sales agent roles. Corporate, B2B and pharmaceutical sales usually want a degree or a relevant diploma.

Do insurance sales agents need a licence in Kenya?

Yes. Insurance agents must be licensed by the Insurance Regulatory Authority. Real estate agents must be registered with the Estate Agents Registration Board.

Is commission-only sales work legal in Kenya?

Commission-only arrangements are common as agency contracts, where you are not an employee. If you are employed, the minimum wage applies to your basic pay. Ask which it is before accepting.

Should I pay to start a sales job?

No. Legitimate employers do not charge registration, training or starter-kit fees. Paying to start, or earning from recruiting others, are signs of a scheme.