This species has two subspecies. Encephalartos tegulaneus subsp. tegulaneus and E. t. subsp. powysii.

The species comprises two subspecies, of which Encephalartos tegulaneus subsp. powsii is assessed as Critically Endangered based on its very limited distribution (extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are less than 10 km²) and decline due to collecting.Several collectors also report the absence of pollinators at the site and few or no seedlings. The decline in the quality of the habitat is also a contributing factor. However, the other subspecies, E. t. subsp. tegulaneus is abundant across a wider range, in fairly remote and inaccessible areas and does not appear to be declining. The species as a whole is therefore assessed as Least Concern.

This species, represented by two subspecies, is endemic to Kenya and occurs from 1,200 up to 2,300 m asl.  Encephalartos tegulaneus subsp. tegulaneus occurs on the Matthews Range in the Samburu county in central Kenya. The main areas are on the Ndoto, Warges and Lolokwi mountains, where it has been recorded to occur from 1,400 up to 2,300 m asl. E. t. subsp. powysii is only known from a single hill to the north east of Embu in the Tharaka-Nithi county of Kenya, and that occurs at an altitude of about 1,200 to 1,800 m asl.

It is difficult to estimate the total population size of this species due to the inaccessible terrain but it is estimated that there are at least 5,500 to 10,600 mature individuals in the wild.

This species occurs in rocky sites and on steep mountain slopes in dense bushland/thicket and in thick dry forest or near springs.

This species is secure in most of its range. One site is threatened by over-collection for ornamental purposes (Encephalartos tegulaneus subsp. powysii) and traditionally hollowed-out stems have been used as cattle drinking troughs (E. t. subsp. tegulaneus). E. t. subsp. powysii may also be impacted due to habitat destruction as the neighbouring communities use the forest as a source of fuelwood and construction materials. The recent approval of the Grand Falls Dam on the Tana River could impact that subspecies too (Q. Luke pers. comm). Several collectors also report the absence of pollinators at the site for E. t. subsp. powysii and few or no seedlings.

In some cases Encephalartos tegulaneus subsp. tegulaneus has been used traditionally, where stems have been hollowed out to serve as cattle drinking troughs. Encephalartos tegulaneus subsp. powysii is threatened by collection for ornamental purposes.

This species is listed in Appendix I of the CITES Appendices. Populations of Encephalartos tegulaneus subsp. tegulaneus occur in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust, which is a Rural Community Development Project and in the Mathews Range forest reserve and the Ndotos Range forest reserve. The known population of E. t. subsp. powysii occurs in a forest reserve, however, neighbouring communities use the forest as a source of fuel-wood and construction materials and as a place for hunting. Identification of further suitable sites for the formal protection of this species is needed. An education and awareness programme as well as the long-term monitoring of populations will support the conservation of this species.