[2] Kiptoo returned to Kenya in May 2006 and at the age of thirty he set about preparing himself for the Kenyan 2006/2007 cross country running season.

Success followed later that year at the 2007 Military World Games, where he won the 5000 m and took second place behind compatriot John Cheruiyot Korir over 10,000 metres.

[2] He was runner-up at the National Cross Country Trials the following year and competed for Kenya in that discipline for the first time, finishing 18th overall.

[3] At the 2010 African Championships in Athletics he formed part of a Kenyan podium sweep of the 5000 m taking bronze behind Edwin Soi and Vincent Yator.

[4] He ran a new personal best at the DN Galan Diamond League meeting, running 12:53.46 to secure a major circuit win over 5000 m.[5] In light of these achievements, he earned selection for Kenya at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and he took the 5000 m bronze medal behind Moses Kipsiro and Eliud Kipchoge.

[9] He failed in his bid to reach the Olympics, but was selected for the 2012 African Championships in Athletics where he won the 5000 m gold and the 10,000 m silver medals.

At the Frankfurt Marathon in October he presented a strong challenge to Vincent Kipruto and finished as runner-up one second behind his countryman, having a fast first attempt with 2:06:16 hours.