About Hitaji Initiative
Fostering Women’s Economic Development, Girls’ Education, and Women’s Health Since 2011
Hitaji Development Initiative is a non-governmental, non-political, and non-religious national organization registered in Kenya under the Public Benefit Organizations (PBO) Act. Founded in 2011, Hitaji works to address the challenges and needs that women and girls face in rural Kenya, particularly in Migori County. To amplify this mission globally, Hitaji Development Initiative–International, Inc. was established in the United States as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization based in North Brunswick, NJ.
Hitaji is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of resources to ensure that all programs create meaningful and measurable impact for the communities we serve.
15+ Years of Impact
Founded in 2011
Asenath Asha Lutabingwa
Helping is the great virtue for human
To foster sustainable economic development, empowerment, and independence for vulnerable women and girls in the rural areas of Kenya.
Our vision is to create, develop, and integrate communities in which women and girls realize their full potential — transforming families, strengthening communities, and creating lasting social change.
Our approach combines education, economic empowerment, and community engagement to address the interconnected challenges faced by women and girls in rural Kenya.
Hitaji's story
Asenath Asha Lutabingwa
Asenath Asha Lutabingwa is an experienced international education leader with nearly three decades of expertise in global engagement and immigration services.
In addition to serving as Founder and CEO of Hitaji, she is also Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at Lehigh University. As Director of OISS, Asenath oversees all aspects of Lehigh’s international student and scholar services, including immigration advising, visa sponsorship, regulatory compliance, and advocacy.
Before joining Lehigh, she served as Executive Director of International Faculty and Scholar Services at Rutgers University. During her tenure at Rutgers University, Lutabingwa provided strategic leadership and guided institutional compliance with complex federal immigration regulations.
Prior to Rutgers, she led international programs and advising offices at The Juilliard School and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, building extensive experience in F-1 and J-1 visa programs, employment-based petitions, and federal compliance. She is a recipient of U.S. Department of State funding to implement programs that strengthen communities’ resilience, including mentorship and development initiatives supporting women and girls in Kenya.
Asenath has also been the international development adviser to Rutgers’ Chapter of Engineers Without Borders for eight years. Born in Kenya, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nairobi before completing a master’s in educational administration in 1994 at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York.
Hitaji's Approach
Support, Empower, and Transform—One Step at a Time
Hitaji believes that empowering women and girls is essential to building resilient and thriving communities. Our approach combines education, economic empowerment, and community engagement to address the interconnected challenges faced by women and girls in rural Kenya.
Community Engagement: We work closely with local communities, schools, and women’s groups to ensure programs respond to real needs and foster community ownership.
Education and Empowerment: Through education scholarships, mentorship, and life-skills training, we support girls to stay in school and pursue opportunities that transform their futures.
Economic Opportunity Empowerment: We support women through microfinance initiatives, business & entrepreneurship skills development, and income-generating activities that promote financial independence and build resilient stronger households.
Accountability and Impact: Hitaji prioritizes transparency, responsible stewardship of resources, and continuous learning to ensure programs deliver sustainable and measurable impact.
Meet our Board
Board Members
Founder and CEO
Asenath is the Executive Director of International Faculty and Scholar Services at Rutgers Global, Rutgers,…
Board Member and Chair
Carren is a teacher of English language and literature at Witharaga High School in Kenya.…
Board Member, Accountant (CPA)
Jimmy is a seasoned Grant Specialist with a passion for facilitating positive change through effective…
Board Member, Local Area Chief
Winnie is a dedicated leader and administrative chief in Nyatike, Migori County. She currently serves…
Board Member and Treasurer
Angela is a retired teacher, and she has taught in several schools including, Nyakach Girls’…
Board Member
Peter is a trained agriculturalist specializing in crop protection. He currently serves as Head of…
Board Member
Walter holds a Master of Business Administration degree specializing in Financial Management from University of…
Meet our Staff Team
We Have a Volunteer Team
Meet Our Professionals
Founder and CEO
Asenath is the Executive Director of International Faculty and Scholar Services at Rutgers Global, Rutgers,…
Assistant Program Coordinator
Vincent Ochieng’ is a volunteer working with Hitaji Development Initiative although he has been associated…
Mentorship Coordinator
Rose has a vast experience in mentorship and coordination with her experience gained from Maikiaro…
Director of Fundraising
Professor Jesse Lutabingwa is a Professor of Public Administration at Appalachian State University (AppState) in…
Head of Programs
Victor possesses over 15 years of extensive experience working with NGOs and the Ministry of…
15 +
Years of Fundation
3k +
Global Partners
69+
Monthly Donations
93 +
Projects Complete
Testimonials
What Our People’s Say About Hitaji Initiative
Hitaji's scholarship and mentorship
I was privileged to join Nyandago Secondary School through Hitaji’s educational scholarship, which covered my fees and upkeep. The regular mentorship sessions helped me overcome cultural and social barriers and I am currently pursuing a Diploma in Civil Engineering.
Linet Adhiambo Edward
2017 Scholarship Cohort
Hitaji's economic program
As Regional Chairperson, I have seen firsthand how Hitaji’s women’s economic program has transformed lives in Migori, Kenya. Through the component of revolving fund and entrepreneurship training, our women groups have grown their local businesses and food security in homes.
Caroline Wasonga
Women's Group Regional Chairperson
Supporting Risehand has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I've made.
I was privileged to join Oyugi Ogango Girls Secondary Schools through Hitaji's educational scholarship, which covered my fees. The regular mentorship sessions helped me build a strong personality and understand how to balance life and education as a young girl.
Jenifal Ladona
2013 Cohort
