The name Keningau is derived from the locally-abundant Javanese cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum burmannii) which is locally known as Koningau.

[1] Keningau was one of the most important administrative centres for the British North Borneo in the early years of the 20th century.

The number stated the distance about 44 kilometres from Tenom as well as Tambunan, Penampang and Kota Kinabalu towns.

The district of Keningau covers an area of 3,533 square kilometres and is located in a valley bordered to the west by the Crocker Range and to the south and east by the Mount Trus Madi.

[2] It consists of 90% of mainly Dusun and Murut peoples, as well an estimate of 8% Hakka Chinese population and various minority indigenous groups.