LAST year top KCPE candidate from Malindi has advised pupils to work hard to excel in exams. Mary Nyadzua, who was the only girl who joined a national school from the area, said the Coast region has a potential to shine nationally.

She blamed the region's poor performance in national exams to laxity to work and cheating. "The region has not been performing well in the past because of laxity on the side of candidates," she said.

Nyadzua, who is a student in Loreto Limuru, said her performance was as a result of hard work and proper eating. "I used to work in school but not straining. My parents also taught me to eat well. I avoided sugar, tea leaves and coffee which clog the mind," she said.

She advised the candidates not to panic in the remaining papers and shun cheating. "It was very sad to see most of my friends whose parents have strained to educate them being punished for cheating," she said. Nyadzua, a former student of Green Field Malindi, called on the government and well-wishers to support needy students.