Sales Representative roles are among the most widely advertised jobs in Kenya — FMCG companies, telecoms, insurance firms, and retail chains are constantly hiring. But because pay is often commission-linked and turnover is high, employers screen quickly for a specific set of signals. Here's what to have ready.

What Employers Look For

• Target orientation — most interviewers will ask directly whether you're comfortable working toward monthly sales targets
• Communication skills — especially the ability to explain a product clearly and handle objections without getting defensive
• Area/route knowledge — for field sales roles, knowing your assigned territory (or being quick to learn it) matters
• Resilience — sales involves regular rejection; employers often ask how you've handled setbacks before
• Basic reporting ability — many roles require daily or weekly sales reports, sometimes via a simple app or spreadsheet

A KCSE certificate is typically the minimum, though a certificate or diploma in sales, marketing, or business gives you an edge for corporate roles.

Salary and Commission Structures to Expect

• Base salary + commission: Common in FMCG and telecom roles — a base of roughly KSh 15,000–25,000, plus commission on sales achieved
• Pure commission: Some field sales and insurance roles pay no fixed base, with earnings entirely tied to performance — higher upside, higher risk
• Fixed salary: More common in retail/in-store sales roles, typically KSh 15,000–30,000

Always ask directly during the interview how commission is calculated and when it's paid — this varies a lot between employers and affects your real take-home pay.

Interview Prep: What They'll Ask

1. "Sell me this pen" (or similar product-pitch question)
Employers use this to see how you structure a pitch on the spot, not to test the product itself. Focus on asking a quick question about the "buyer's" need, then connect a feature to it.

2. "How do you handle a customer who says no?"
Show that you can probe for the real objection (price, timing, trust) rather than just repeating your pitch louder.

3. "Are you comfortable with targets?"
Be honest, but frame it positively — mention that targets help you stay focused, and give an example if you have one.

4. "Do you have experience in this area/route?"
If not, say so, but show you understand the importance of route knowledge and that you're quick to learn an area.

Where to Apply

Browse current Sales Representative openings across Nairobi and Kenya:

If you're open to related roles, check our listings for Cashier and Shelf Attendant positions.