Kanzo

Kanzo: Self-hosted kanban board and Model Context Protocol server for humans and coding agents to share tasks.

Kanzo combines a web-based kanban board and a Model Context Protocol server in one lightweight program. It allows humans and coding agents to work on the same tasks simultaneously without relying on an external account or server. The entire board is stored locally in a folder and kept in sync across multiple machines using a private git repo. Users can manage tasks through the browser interface or via command-line options, while agents connect through the MCP server to pick up tasks, update card statuses, and leave comments. It supports image attachments in tasks and comments, keyboard shortcuts for navigation, and a configurable backlog column. The software runs on macOS and Linux, distributing data via SQLite.

Kanzo at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: macOS, Linux, Web, CLI, self-hosted, open source
Pricing: Free
Released: October 2026
Category: AI coding tool
Website: github.com/emanuele-em/kanzo

Key features

Runs as a browser-based kanban board and MCP server
Syncs boards across machines using a private git repo
Allows coding agents to take tasks and update progress
Supports image attachments in tasks and comments
Includes keyboard shortcuts for navigation and editing
Provides a command-line interface for service management
Exports board data as Markdown or JSON

Use it for

Managing tasks alongside coding agents
Syncing project boards across multiple machines
Parking and organizing development ideas
Exporting board data to Markdown or JSON

Alternatives to Kanzo

Rakazo — Complete ownership of data, models, and execution environment.
Reika — Manages small local models with careful context discipline and loop breakers.
MIKE — It integrates sandbox isolation and supports custom extensions securely.
Vibe Kanban — Run parallel coding agents and automate git worktrees for faster reviews.
Kiro — Spec-driven coding with property-based tests to catch hidden bugs
Coding Tools MCP — Turns any chat app into a coding agent with strict workspace safety boundaries.
Honjin — Runs all coding agents and project folders in one unified window.
MCP Java SDK — Official Java implementation with core STDIO, SSE, and Streamable HTTP transports.
Otōto — It keeps your main agent's context clean by isolating discovery tasks.
bb — Runs locally with support for multiple AI models and full customization.
MCP Server Finder — It provides a comprehensive directory with detailed profiles and compatibility matrices.
Kolo — Teams share one browser session to watch, type, and control AI agents together.

All Kanzo alternatives