HERITAGE minister William ole Ntimama and former ambassador Julius Sunkuli were the first to be cleared by the IEBC to run for seats in Narok.

Sunkuli, a former Internal Security minister, is vying for the senate seat on a TNA ticket while Ntimama is defending his Narok North parliamentary seat through ODM.

Sunkuli, who was the first to present his papers, said he will use his experience as a civil servant and former Cabinet minister to bring change to the county.

"Being a former minister and envoy gives me an upper hand compared to other aspirants. I will use my local and international connections to woo investors to Narok," he said.

Sunkuli said relations between Kenya and China have improved tremendously during his four year tenure as an ambassador.

"The Chinese investment in Kenya increased while the number of tourist rose from 14,000 to 40,000 in the last four years. The success of the Thika Super Highway is a product of this co-operation. Soon the Narok-Maasai-Mara road will be repaired by China," he said.

Ntimama, one of the longest-serving ministers, urged residents to support his re-election."I urge you to support me because I have been fighting for the interests of the Maasai community," said Ntimama.

Others cleared on Thursday are governor hopefuls Joseph Tiampati, Johnson ole Nchoe, Dalton Konchellah and Samuel Tunai.

Lydia Masikonte and Mercy Cherotich, who are eyeing the women's repesentative seats, and Ntimama's rivals in Narok North, Moitalel Kenta and Meitamei Dapash, were also cleared.