diff --git a/k8s/valkey-statefulset.yaml b/k8s/valkey-statefulset.yaml
index 4d1fcb25..b2bf7b5c 100644
--- a/k8s/valkey-statefulset.yaml
+++ b/k8s/valkey-statefulset.yaml
@@ -15,6 +15,8 @@ spec:
       labels:
         app: valkey
     spec:
+      # Use system-cluster-critical priority to ensure Valkey starts after CNI is ready
+      priorityClassName: system-cluster-critical
       securityContext:
         runAsNonRoot: true
         runAsUser: 999