The event had been scheduled to take place in Nairobi from July 7 to 12.

The decision to postpone it was taken by World Athletics, together with the Government of Kenya and Athletics Kenya, due to the "ongoing challenges posed by the spread of the novel coronavirus internationally".

"The current global situation would have seriously compromised the event at this time as many countries are restricting international travel, invoking necessary quarantines and advising citizens and event organisers to avoid mass gatherings," a World Athletics statement reads.

"We had to consider the health and well-being of athletes, officials and spectators in making this call. 

"We recognise the immense preparations that have gone into the event and wanted to give certainty to the athletes as early as possible as we collectively come to terms with the global impact and threats associated with COVID-19.

"The advice from the World Athletics medical team, who are in contact with the World Health Organization, is that the spread of the novel coronavirus is at a concerning level in many countries and all major gatherings should be reviewed without delay."

New dates for the competition have yet to be confirmed.

"We are working together to identify a mutually appropriate alternative date convenient for the Government of Kenya and elite competitors," the statement adds.

World Athletics said yesterday it is open to rescheduling its senior World Championships in 2021 following the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The event is set to be held in Eugene in the United States from August 6 to 15. 

With Tokyo 2020 now postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the World Championships may clash with the rescheduled Olympics.

Subsequently, World Athletics has revealed it may move its flagship event to 2022.

The International Olympic Committee had come under pressure from various quarters to postpone Tokyo 2020, with World Athletics the most high-profile International Federation to do so.