Traditional academic giants at the Coast Khadija Primary, Makobeni Primary and Bandacho Primary rose from a year of slumber to post good marks in this year's Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination.
Many of their candidates scored more than 300 marks in the results announced by Cabinet Secretary Mr Ezekiel Machogu on Thursday.
The top candidate from Khadija Primary in Mombasa had 410 marks, 16 shy of the 426 scored by Coast's top candidate, Khadija Yunis Ahmed of Light Academy, Mombasa.
But it is little known Bandacho Primary School from the remote village of Magarini in Kilifi that shocked the region after all its 89 candidates scored 300 marks and above, with 13 of them having over 400.
The best candidate, Gilbert Chea, scored 411 marks, followed by Vincent Karisa with 409 marks.
The school's headteacher, Ms Constance Kanze, attributed the success to teamwork and dedication.
"We are happy as a school because, despite the many challenges, the students have scored impressive results. We hope each candidate will join a good secondary school," said Kanze.
Safari Furaha, a special needs student at Kabeteni Primary School in Ganze, defied the odds to score 355 marks.
Joseph Mwabini Khwaka scored 410 marks from Khadija Primary School and got his wish to secure a scholarship answered.
The 14-year-old beat many odds including not having a mother in his life and living and studying in a gang and drug-infested environment of Kisauni.
Khwaka said he wished to get a scholarship because his father is a hustler with three mouths to feed.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who visited the school soon after pledged to offer him a full scholarship for four years in high school.
Khwaka said he wishes to join Kapsabet Boys which is near his home county because most of the other candidates chose Mangu and Starehe.
He said after school he would like to become a lecturer.
Fourteen-year-old Sera Mwamutsi from Makobeni Primary in Rabai Kiflifi County braved the odds to score 371.
Despite coming from a humble background, lacking fees and staying home, she managed to put her school on the map.
"I used to go for school fees and I would miss school sometimes because my father is a hustler. I would wish to get a sponsorship to help me through my high school," said Mwamutsi.
Mwamutsi who hopes to join Limuru Girls had aimed to get 380 marks.
"I aimed to get 380 marks but I am thankful for this performance. I was hardworking and disciplined in school. I thank my parents for paying fees and how the teachers helped in subjects that I thought were hard," said Mwamutsi.
Her dream is to be a doctor to serve her community.
"I aimed to get 380 marks but I am thankful for this performance. I was hardworking and disciplined in school. I thank my parents for paying fees and how the teachers helped in subjects that I thought were hard," said Mwamutsi.
