Connect a repository
Connect a Git provider or add a local folder so Kensa can fetch pull requests and diffs.
Kensa reviews code from the repositories you add. Connect GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, or Azure DevOps with OAuth or a personal access token — or add a local git folder directly. Provider tokens go straight to your OS keychain.
Quick path
- In the desktop app, choose + next to Repos in the sidebar — or Add a repository when the list is empty.
- In Add Repository, pick a provider tab. If no provider is connected yet, connect one first with OAuth or a personal access token.
- Select one or more repositories, then choose Add Repos.
- Recommended: fill in each repo's Local repo path so Deep Review, Source Control, and worktrees can use a local clone.
Expected result: the repository appears in the sidebar, and its pull requests load in the Pull Requests view.
Ways to add a repository
| Path | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Provider tab (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Azure DevOps) | The normal path — browse and select repos after connecting the account |
| Local Repository tab | A folder on your machine that is already a git repository |
Legacy gh CLI | Fallback for GitHub when no connection exists — gh auth login covers listing and clones |
A locally added repository can be promoted later with Connect to remote, which binds it to its git remote so pull request review works for it.
Clone paths and cloning
Adding a repository does not clone it. Use the clone button next to the Local repo path (optional) field to clone into a folder you choose. A local clone enables:
- Deep Review — agents read the repository on disk, not just the diff.
- Source Control and worktrees — local git operations and isolated checkouts.
If something goes wrong
- Clone failed — the error appears under the path field; check the destination folder and your provider access, then retry.
- The repository list is empty — confirm the connection can see the right organizations; reconnect it in Settings → Integrations if needed.
- GitHub authorization expired — reconnect the account in Settings → Integrations.
- Manage repositories — click a repo in the sidebar to make it active; remove one with the × on its row. Removing never deletes files from disk or from the provider.