How do I install the kai mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

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Kai MCP Server

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for managing Kubernetes clusters from MCP-compatible clients like Claude Desktop, Cursor, and Continue.

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What is the Kai MCP Server?

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for managing Kubernetes clusters from MCP-compatible clients like Claude Desktop, Cursor, and Continue.

What you get

Kai exposes Kubernetes operations as MCP tools, letting an LLM client manage your cluster through natural language — workloads, networking, config, storage, RBAC, custom resources, and raw manifests.

Configuration and credentials

The server connects to your current kubectl context by default. Ensure you have access to a Kubernetes cluster configured for kubectl (e.g., minikube, Rancher Desktop, kind, EKS, GKE, AKS).

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

How to install the Kai MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "kubernetes": {
      "command": "/path/to/kai"
    }
  }
}

From the project documentation. Replace placeholders and example paths before connecting.

Configuration

The server connects to your current kubectl context by default. Ensure you have access to a Kubernetes cluster configured for kubectl (e.g., minikube, Rancher Desktop, kind, EKS, GKE, AKS).

Example prompts to try

“Use Kai to Networking.”
“Use Kai to Configuration.”
“Use Kai to Storage.”

Frequently asked questions

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for managing Kubernetes clusters from MCP-compatible clients like Claude Desktop, Cursor, and Continue. Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.