World record holder Kipyegon, who claimed a third successive Olympic title in Paris, underlined her status as queen of the 'metric mile' after crossing the line in four minutes, 4.79 seconds to claim victory in New York.
Ethiopian Diribe Welteji (4:05.58) could not match the Kenyan's power in a breathless sprint finish, while Kenyan Susan Ejore-Sanders (4:06.25) was third.
New York
Kenya's Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon took a victory lap with an easy win in the 1,500 metres at the inaugural women-only Athlos NYC meet on Thursday, while Brittany Brown stunned Paris 200 gold medallist Gabby Thomas.