It was formerly considered a subspecies of the West African potto (Perodicticus potto), but a 2015 study split it into three species, and classified P. ibeanus as a distinct species.

It is thought to be the sister species to the Central African potto (Perodicticus ibeanus), from which it diverged during the late Miocene, about 5.5 million years ago.

In addition, an isolated subspecies (P. i. stockleyi) is endemic to the slopes of Mount Kenya, making it the easternmost population of any potto.

However, localized declines may be taking place due to deforestation for agriculture.

In addition, the Mount Kenya subspecies is thought to be either extinct or very nearly so due to the clearance of most of its habitat, with less than 50 remaining individuals if it is still extant; due to this, it is classified as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) by the IUCN.