It is known from southern Malawi east of the Shire River, northern Mozambique, and Tanzania (including the Nguru, Udzungwa and Uluguru Mountains); the known distribution is discontinuous but the species is expected to occur in the intervening areas.

[1][2][3] The specific name kirkii refers to Sir John Kirk, a Scottish diplomat, naturalist, and explorer.

[5] Scolecomorphus kirkii is assumed to be viviparous and not to depend on bodies of water in its reproduction.

It can also live in secondary habitats like fruit gardens and small-holder agricultural areas.

It can probably suffer from habitat disturbance and conversion caused by deforestation and agricultural intensification, although it is not known whether these constitute significant threats.