The highlight of the 1996 season for Chemoiywo was a silver medal in the 5000 m at the 1996 African Championships in Athletics. He failed to defend his title by the smallest of margins, losing to fellow Kenyan Paul Koech with both registering the same time of 13:35.13 minutes. On the European circuit that year he set three career bests: 5:04.9 minutes for the 2000 metres, 7:42.40 minutes for the 3000 m and 8:28.91 minutes for the two miles.