diff --git a/encrypted_secrets/util.py b/encrypted_secrets/util.py
index 7fd5a5f..7a0bf7a 100644
--- a/encrypted_secrets/util.py
+++ b/encrypted_secrets/util.py
@@ -29,7 +29,8 @@ def write_secrets(message, key=secrets_conf.ENCRYPTED_SECRETS_KEY, encrypted_sec
 def read_secrets(encrypted_secrets_file_path=secrets_conf.ENCRYPTED_SECRETS_PATH, key=secrets_conf.ENCRYPTED_SECRETS_KEY):
     key_file_exists = os.path.isfile(encrypted_secrets_file_path)
 
-    if not key_file_exists:
+    # To handle first-run of init_secrets command when key is not yet set:
+    if key is None or not key_file_exists:
         return False
 
     with open(encrypted_secrets_file_path, 'r') as encrypted_secrets_file:
diff --git a/setup.py b/setup.py
index 8d772f7..3a395dc 100644
--- a/setup.py
+++ b/setup.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 
 setup(
     name='django-encrypted-secrets',
-    version='0.9.8',
+    version='0.9.9',
     packages=find_packages(),
     author='Axiomatic LLC',
     author_email='contact@axiomatic.im',