Faith Muthoni was orphaned at the age of two after her parents were killed during the 2007/08 post-election violence.
In one cruel blow, Muthoni lost her family and home and was taken in by her grandmother.
The tears and heartache have lessened over the years, and yesterday Muthoni was all smiles as she celebrated scoring 424 marks in this year's KCPE exam.
The pupil of High Peak Academy in Naivasha lived in tents and camps of the internally displaced persons, but when her grandmother fell sick, she was taken to Amazing Grace Children's Home in Mbaruk.
Orphanage director Margaret Mwangi said Muthoni was surrendered to the institution by her grandmother, who feared she would be abused in the camps.
Ms Mwangi said High Peak Academy had been paying for the girl's education from the year she joined Class Four.
Muthoni said the challenges in her life had nearly made her give up.
"After I lost my parents I was filled with hatred. I felt that my teachers hated me and I performed poorly," she said.
Muthoni said her attitude later changed and that was when she noticed that her performance was improving.
The girl, who wants to study to become a banker, hopes to join Alliance Girls High School.
"I call on well-wishers to assist me advance my studies," she said.
