Add bacon to a cold stock pot and set over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon, stirring regularly, until browned, about 6 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towel and set aside.
Add the sausages and use a wooden or metal spoon to break them into small pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a bowl and set aside.
Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the fat in the pot. If necessary, add extra-virgin olive oil. Add the onions and cook, scraping any brown bits on the bottom of the pot, until slightly soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, chili flakes and fennel seeds, if using, and cook an additional 60 seconds. Add the coconut milk and cook until reduced by ¼ in volume, about 2 minutes.
Add the chicken stock, potatoes and bay leaves. Bring the liquid to a boil, lower the heat to medium-low and cover partly with a lid. Cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 15 minutes.
Add the kale and cook until significantly wilted, about 3 minutes. If necessary, add water or chicken stock to cover. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir through. Let the soup simmer for 5 minutes for the flavours to come together. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as desired.
Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls and garnish with the reserved bacon.