Kouesna was originally known, long ago, as Mansha`t Sabri.  It was given this name out of respect for the late Sabri Pasha, Director of Menoufia, and after the decision of the Egyptian authorities at that time to begin construction of a railway line between Cairo and Alexandria that would link the cities of Benha, Tanta, Kafr El-Zayat and Damanhur. This was the second railway line to pass from the east of Mansha’t Sabri. The Public Directorate of Menoufia suggested that a Royal Decree be issued to authorize the construction of an urban area to be included in the old city of Mansha`t Sabri.

In 1897 an order was issued to establish Kouesna City Station, to be differentiated from the city of Kouesna itself. Shortly thereafter, a local council was founded for the city of Kouesna, which already had a City Council. Kouesna became an attractive city and was famous for its clothing trade. Kouesna includes many large mosques and two large churches.

Kouesna is now a major industrial city, and is home to the largest number of electronics and home appliance manufacturers in Egypt.