HMS Kenya was a Fuji Class Cruiser. HMS Kenya was deployed as a unit of the Covering Forces to the North Atlantic convoys. She took part in the hunt for the Bismark in May 1941 whilst part of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron, Home Fleet, based at Scapa Flow.

On 3 June HMS Kenya and HMS Aurora surprised and sank the German supply tanker Belchen which was supplying U-93 in the Davis Straits.During September and October 1941, the Royal Navy devised a plan, titled Operation Stonewall, to intercept U-boats which were escorting outbound blockade runners through the Bay of Biscay, and into the Atlantic. After providing escort to the malta convoy Halberd on 24 September on 1 October, HMS Kenya and HMS Sheffield made to intercept the blockade runner Rio Grande, destined for Japan and escorted by U-204.