diff --git a/python_daraja/payment.py b/python_daraja/payment.py
index fdcec71..88a339c 100644
--- a/python_daraja/payment.py
+++ b/python_daraja/payment.py
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ def _get_access_token() -> str:
 
     payload = {}
     headers = {
-        'Authorization': f'Basic {b64_creds}'
+        'Authorization': f"Basic {b64_creds.decode('utf-8')}"
     }
 
     response = requests.request("GET", url, headers=headers, data=payload)
diff --git a/setup.cfg b/setup.cfg
index 2240f63..193cf6f 100644
--- a/setup.cfg
+++ b/setup.cfg
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [metadata]
 name = python-daraja
-version = 1.0.3
+version = 1.1.3
 author = William Otieno
 author_email = jimmywilliamotieno@gmail.com
 description = Python Wrapper for interacting with the Daraja MPESA Payments API