?is scoping study provides a snapshot of the engagement of the commercial sector1 in the humanitarian response to the Horn of Africa crisis of 2011-2012 through two case studies - Somalia and Kenya. Much has already been written on the systemic failings of humanitarian assistance in relation to the crisis, both in terms of the failure to adequately reduce the risk of and prepare for such recurring crises in the region, and the failure to enact early response in relation to early warning alerts. ?is scoping study, however, focuses instead on the capacity challenge of responding to a crisis of such enormity and complexity. Specifically, it examines how new forms and models of engagement and collaboration with the commercial sector can help “traditional humanitarian actors” address this capacity challenge.