Apache Kafka has historically relied on Apache ZooKeeper for cluster metadata management, but the community is transitioning to a ZooKeeper-less model called KRaft (Kafka Raft metadata mode), expected to become the default in Kafka 4.0 scheduled for 2024. KRaft uses the Raft consensus protocol to manage metadata, simplifying infrastructure, improving scalability, and reducing complexity. Migrating from ZooKeeper to KRaft involves detailed planning and execution across several stages, including deploying KRaft controllers and configuring brokers for migration, but it presents challenges such as potential rollback difficulties and missing features in KRaft mode. For those seeking a simpler transition, the text suggests Redpanda as an alternative streaming data platform, which is free from external dependencies like ZooKeeper and offers built-in tools and connectors for enhanced performance and ease of use.