Laila is the Vice Chancellor of the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), a position she has held since being confirmed in 2018 after serving in an acting capacity.
She is the first female vice chancellor from the Coast region and the first Muslim woman to hold such a high-profile position in the country.
Laila holds a PhD and MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Nairobi, where she previously served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry.
As an active researcher, she has won several national and international research grants and awards for her work, particularly in molecular parasitology.
In 2025, she was named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Kenya, an honour awarded by Africapitol Ventures. The award gala dinner was held to celebrate women across various sectors who have made a significant impact in the country.
The 50 Most Influential Women in Kenya 2025 Gala Awards Dinner was dedicated to honouring the remarkable women shaping Kenya’s present and future. It recognised notable women leaders in different sectors, including public service, media, health and education.