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✦ Free & open sourceProject Management

kanzo

Self-hosted kanban board and MCP server for humans and coding agents.

Kanban for humans and coding agents

Single binary browser board with built-in MCP server for AI coding assistants.

Free forever · open source · AGPL-3.0
✓ Light setup✓ Browser-based✓ Real-time collaboration
6.8
ZEKAI
Essential for AI-assisted coding
Free & open source · Project Management
Ease of setup2
Usefulness9
Maintenance9.5
Community6.5
★ 1,074
GITHUB
Nov 2026
UPDATED
AGPL-3.0
LICENSE
🛠 Don't want to self-host? We can set it up →
⚡ Quick answer

Kanzo is a 4.7 MB self-hosted kanban board that integrates directly with coding agents through the Model Context Protocol. It is built for developers who want a shared task space where both they and their AI agents can manage work.

Runs on
Cross-platform
Hosting
Self-host
Languages
Rust
License
AGPL-3.0

What it is

It runs a local browser board and MCP server simultaneously, allowing agents to pick tasks, move cards, and comment on progress. Features include local-first storage, task dependencies, filtering, and optional P2P sharing or git-backed sync.

Who it's for

It suits developers working alongside AI coding assistants like Claude Code or Codex who need shared task tracking. It does not suit teams looking for a traditional cloud-hosted enterprise project management suite.

Key features

Built-in MCP Server

Lets coding agents fetch tasks, move cards, and leave comments directly.

Zero Setup Binary

Runs instantly from a single lightweight binary using 5 MB of RAM.

Task Dependencies

Blocks tasks from being started until prerequisite tickets are marked done.

Local-First Sync

Keeps your board data in a local folder with optional private git repo syncing.

Local Network Sharing

Shares the board across multiple computers on your network without configuration.

How to start

Up and running in 3 steps

1
Install Kanzo using the shell or PowerShell curl installation script.
2
Run `kanzo` in your terminal to start the board at localhost:4242.
3
Add Kanzo as an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, or other supported clients.
Real talk

Our honest verdict

What's great

  • Extremely lightweight with a 4.7 MB binary and 5 MB RAM footprint.
  • Native MCP integration allows AI agents to autonomously manage workflow states.
  • Supports local network sharing between multiple machines instantly.
  • Includes a git-backed sync option for moving between devices.

Where it falls short

  • Requires manual terminal configuration to set up MCP clients like Claude Code.
  • Local network sharing has no built-in authentication, so you must trust your network.
  • Running it continuously as a service on a Raspberry Pi requires manual setup.
Cost

Pricing & license

Free under its AGPL-3.0 licence, with the only cost being the hardware and electricity required to run it yourself.

Paid work

Open remote AI-training roles

767 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 14, 2026; most pay $20–$175 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.

See all open roles →
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Questions

FAQ

How do coding agents connect to Kanzo?

You add Kanzo as an MCP server using your client's configuration command, allowing the agent to interact with the running board.

Can multiple people use the same board?

Yes, you can turn on board sharing and have other computers on your network join the address.

Where is board data stored?

Your entire board lives in a local `~/kanzo` directory created on the first run.

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