diff --git a/.kimi/AGENTS.md b/.kimi/AGENTS.md
index 82fb7cf5..ad619c05 100644
--- a/.kimi/AGENTS.md
+++ b/.kimi/AGENTS.md
@@ -62,6 +62,9 @@ Per AGENTS.md roster:
    - Run `tox -e pre-push` (lint + full CI suite)
    - Ensure tests stay green
    - Update TODO.md
+   - **CRITICAL: Stage files before committing** — always run `git add .` or `git add <files>` first
+   - Verify staged changes are non-empty: `git diff --cached --stat` must show files
+   - **NEVER run `git commit` without staging files first** — empty commits waste review cycles
 
 ---