Early in her career, Jepkemoi competed in a variety of events; her main event was the 5000 metres, in which she placed fifth at the 2011 Kenyan Championships. At the 2011 All-Africa Games in Maputo she competed in both the 5000 metres and an event completely new to her, the 3000 metres steeplechase; she placed fourth in her main event but won an unexpected gold in the steeplechase, running 10:00.50 and outkicking Ethiopia's Hiwot Ayalew to win Kenya's first athletics gold medal at the Games.