Pwani University Chancellor, Prof. Mohamed S. Rajab is a Professor of Organic Chemistry and currently the Vice Chancellor of Pwani University. He did both his O-level and A-level studies in Mombasa, Kenya. He graduated from the University of Nairobi with a First Class Honours Degree in Chemistry in 1983. Prof. Rajab started his career at the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in 1982.
He then proceeded to the University of Maine, Maine, U.S.A. for his doctoral studies where he was conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry in 1988. He was then appointed as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas Texas to undertake medical research on cholesterol receptor sites and the synthesis of bioactive molecules. Prof Rajab returned back home and took up appointment as a Lecturer in Moi University Department of Chemistry on 1st April 1989.
He served Moi University for 11 years where he rose through the ranks as Chairman of the Department of Chemistry (6 years), Dean of the Faculty of Science (4 years), and Ag. Principal of Chepkoilel Campus (1 year). In 1997 he returned to the U.S.A as a Senior Fulbright Research Fellow at the University of Louisiana, Baton Rouge. After his tenure at the University of Louisiana, Prof. Rajab returned to Moi and resumed his duties as the Dean of the Faculty of Science.
On the 16th March 1999, Prof Rajab was appointed by the then Head of State, as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Administration in Kenyatta University. He served in this position for about 9 years. During his stay in Kenyatta University, he participated in the development of various policy documents and the transformation of Kenyatta University during the period between 1999 to 2007 as the Deputy Vice Chancellor(Administration) and from 2008 to 2013 as a member of the University Council. In 2007, Prof. Rajab was appointed as the first Principal of Pwani University College. He served in this position until the University College was awarded its Charter as a fully fledged Public University in 2013.
On 20th June 2013, Prof. Rajab was appointed as the founding Vice Chancellor of Pwani University. He is also the Chairman of the Mombasa County Education Board. Prof. Rajab was Conferred the title of Elder of the Burning Spear” for his distinguished service in the academic fraternity on 12th December 2013. He has served as a member of the board of directors of several institutions including the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, the National Museums of Kenya and Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Sheikh Zayed Children Welfare Center among others. He has attended specialized training on leadership and the management of institutions of higher learning in Oxford, University of Abertay in Dundee, UNISA- South Africa, Galilee College and University of Warwick. Prof Rajab has also trained on good corporate governance both locally and overseas.