Before 1956, Guinguinéo experienced the phenomenon of kingdoms piloted by a succession of kings of whom the most famous was Maad Saloum Fode N'Gouye Joof (French: Fodé Diouf).
Guinguinéo occupied for a long time a good position on the railroad in Senegal, being the second station of the rail system after Thies, which is one reason why the town delayed making an asphalted road to join it directly with the other settlements of the country.
The Département of Guinguinéo was established by presidential decree in 2008, severed from the region of Fatick of which it was previously a part.
Since its enhancement as a département it has become a part of the region of Kaolack, satisfying a long standing demand of the people.
For its safety and security, Guinguinéo has a gendarmerie brigade and police station which are little used because problems are almost non-existent and disagreements are generally solved by the leaders of districts and the inhabitants themselves.