diff --git a/scripts/kicad-install.sh b/scripts/kicad-install.sh
index b62fc74aeb..be8e87e86e 100755
--- a/scripts/kicad-install.sh
+++ b/scripts/kicad-install.sh
@@ -72,6 +72,9 @@ install_prerequisites()
         echo
         exit 1
     fi
+
+    # ensure bzr name and email are set.  No message since bzr prints an excellent diagnostic.
+    bzr whoami || exit 2
 }